𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐘━︎━︎L. Greenleaf

❝CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲-𝐎𝐧𝐞 ━︎━︎ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐈𝐍 her room, readying herself for the long journey they would begin in the morning. She removed the crown atop her head, running her thumb over it before placing it down on her desk. "So, you've listened to me after all." Ellaria spun around to see Arwen standing in the doorway, a soft smile on her face. She entered the room further. "I will miss you whilst you are away, but I know this is what's best for you."

Ellaria gave her a small smile. "Thank you for pushing me in the right direction."

Arwen nodded in acknowledgement. "Father wishes to speak with you."

Ellaria nodded before following after her sister. Arwen led her through the door to the library and Ellaria frowned. "Why would father want to meet me here?" Arwen didn't answer. Instead, she pushed Ellaria into the room and swiftly turned and left, shutting the door behind her. Ellaria rose a brow and scoffed before moving further into the large library. "Father?" Her eyes landed on the balcony, the moonlight shining through the open area and illuminating the silhouette of a figure. Ellaria approached. "You needed to speak with me?"

The figure stepped into the moonlight, turning to face her. Legolas stood there, a small smile pulling to his lips. "Ellaria."

"You are not my father." Ellaria mumbled, glancing around. What was she looking for? An escape?

"I'd hope not." Legolas said with a slight chuckle.

Ellaria cleared her throat. "I'm sure my sister set this up, but I am also sure my father truly does wish to speak with me, and one shall not keep her father waiting."

As Ellaria went to turn away, Legolas stepped towards her, gently grasping her wrist. She paused, turning her head to look at him. "Will you not stay? If only for a moment?" Their eyes met and Ellaria instantly gave in. He dropped his hold. "You avoid me."

Ellaria scoffed. "I do not avoid you. If I were, you would know."

"Well, I know you, and I know when you're avoiding someone." Legolas answered, growing closer to her. "Have I done something to offend you?"

Ellaria shook her head, her voice coming out weaker than she'd anticipated. "No."

"Then what is it?"

Ellaria swallowed. "It has nothing to do with you, Legolas. I'm just. . ." She closed her eyes, a sigh leaving her lips. "I'm scared of this journey, Legolas. There are so many uncertainties."

In an instant, he understood. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "It will not be like the last."

Ellaria allowed a sad smile to cross her face as she looked at him. "You cannot know that. I cannot let anyone else die on my watch, Legolas. I won't be able to live with myself."