Elena
My pale white dress shimmers in the ethereal morning. A cloudless sky allows bright beams of light to glow towards me and transform my gown into something that no longer resembles fabric, but rather the illusion of flowing water wrapping around my body. My hair, kindly done by the palace stylist, cascades gently down my back. It looks as if it's a sea of molten gold with sparkles of salt crystals whenever I turn due to the thousands of tiny beads woven into a thick braid. The attire perfectly matches the palace's location, situated on an island far from my own home.
Izivell is only a small mass of land, a distance away from the main continent. The island is home to many lords and ladies whose riches are accumulated honestly through the art of good fishing and strong trading. For hundreds of years, the residents of Izivell have stayed out of petty continental squabbles and kept themselves wrapped up in a blanket of peace and salty, calm sea mornings.
It is such a lovely morning, in fact, that I find myself enjoying it outside on my assigned room's terrace. It overlooks the tranquil waves lapping into the cliff below me, splashing against the chalk stone. If this were any other kingdom, I would have assumed the waves were clawing at me violently, trying to beckon me to fall into the depths of the blue water as if they were swarmed with sirens. However, at Izivell, every element is working hand in hand with the people. They live in such unity and harmony that the thought makes my breath catch in my throat whenever it crosses my mind. Because of this, the ocean could never do such misdeeds. Instead, it wants to embrace me in its grace, and allow me to float in the sunshine. As if the ocean can read my thoughts, a slight spray of salt kisses my face and is almost instantly dried by my rosy cheeks. Perhaps it was a farewell gift before I have to start my trip home, perhaps it was a silent plea for me to stay. Either way, I know which I'd rather do.
"Princess?" A gentle voice calls from the far part of my room. I know the voice well, it is ingrained in my mind as if she were my mother. "Are you ready to leave?" She asks, a small smile on her old face.
I take one final breath of the sea air before turning into the shining room. The room in which I had the pleasure of occupying my week trip in Izivell is pleasant, although nothing can beat the great outdoors. My bed, which takes up most of the large space, felt as though it was made of clouds. Not a wrinkle or dip has betumbled the bed, and beautiful blue blankets lay happily on the comfort. It is a lovely symbol of the sea, but makes it almost bearable to be inside at the reminder. All of the furniture that adorns the room is handmade in the kingdom by the local carpenter. Each piece is clearly crafted with love, adoration and the most precious of torrefied oak. Engravings of ocean, fish, and alike wrap around every segment, creating sculpturesque decor. You become breathless with each glance around the space, drinking it in as if it were a famous painting.
I step towards my hand-maiden, her withered hand waiting patiently for me to grasp. Mary has looked after me since I was born, and raised me side by side with my mother until the queen passed away.
"What an adventure you have experienced!" Mary exclaims as she leads me through the ocean blue hallway.
Windows line the ceiling, bringing in a beautiful natural glow from the sun and lighting my dress up like a star.
"It was successful indeed," I state. "I believe my father will be happy."
"You managed to strengthen the fish trade to almost double your fathers standards," Mary glances at me through her greying eyebrows. "And you've caught the eye of King Izivell." She begins to giggle gleefully, her other hand resting on my arm and tapping it endearingly.
King Izivell is a tall, slim man with bright red hair that resembles the sun. He's young for a king, and incredibly charming. As we promenaded through the village one late morning, the community gathered to adorn him with flowers and gifts. He is so wholly loved by his people, and it is prominent in the way they work hard for him with every waking hour.
"It wouldn't be so bad to marry such a man," I think aloud.
Mary hums her agreement as we reach the cascading stairs that descend into the entry hall.
King Izivell stands proud by the large palace doors, which give an unobstructed view to the beautiful fielded path I am about to enjoy on my carriage journey. The doors are embedded with different seashells, swirling and mixing in size to create an intricate pattern. The colours emanating from each cast a luminous blue glow to his hair, blending together to create a tone of purple upon his crown. He looks like the very embodiment of "King of the Sea".
"Princess Maidell, it's so sad to see you go!" King Izivell calls from the doors, his soft brown eyes now fastened onto my shimmering dress.
"I thank you kindly for your hospitality, King Izivell," I exclaim, a smile plastered on my pink painted lips.
"The pleasure is mine. To have such beauty in my palace is always welcomed," His compliment rolls off the tongue as if memoried and spoken hundreds of times. A blush crawls on my cheeks regardless.
The King walks myself and Mary outside of the palace and into the crisp salty air. The sun beats beautiful down upon us, basking us in its glory. Flowers of every colour imaginable are potted around the gravel path beside us and continue for miles up the fielded valley, wild and free in the gentle roll of the hills. I want nothing more than to stare at such an image for the rest of my days.
"Please won't you come visit King Maidell, he asks often about your market," I ask sweetly, the smell of blossoms tickling my nose.
King Izivell huffs out a laugh, so stark in contrast to the calm air. "I can think of hundreds of things I would rather do than go to the main continent, your Highness, although your offer is appreciated anyway."
His face is booming with amusement, strong cheekbones holding up a smile as though it was tied to string.
I stumble, not knowing what to say next. I don't blame the King. The continent pales in comparison to his island. Walls of brick, concrete and cobble. The sounds aren't nearly as pleasant, mostly horses and grunts from labourers. The smells can be just as bad. I always knew the Izivell nation was against crossing the ocean and visiting the mainland, but I never knew just how deep that distaste ran. But perhaps if I had such a view as the King of the Sea, I wouldn't wish to leave either.
Fearing I upset the King, I quickly apologise, "My apologies, your royal Highness, It is just that I would like to see you again."
King Izivell smiles, his teeth smooth as sea stones, before leading myself and Mary into our awaiting carriage.
As we settle in, the carriage driver gets ready to whip the horses and our final bags are packed, King Izivell leans into the carriage and says his goodbyes, "You will see me again, Princess Maidell, but if what the ocean has told me is true - they will be under far different circumstances." And with that, he closes the carriage door and the horses begin to move away from the beautiful ocean palace.
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