The Elementiels

Ch. 25: NEW BEGINNINGS

“Thank you for the meal!” they all said in unison before starting to eat. 

King Arthur noticed Connor sitting still, his plate untouched. “What’s wrong? You aren’t eating?” he asked with a kind smile. 

Connor hesitated for a moment. “Nothing, Your Majesty. It’s just… I don’t eat meat.” 

Arthur’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Ah, I see. Very well. Help yourself to the vegetables and bread. There’s more than enough to satisfy.” 

Connor nodded with gratitude, filling his plate with the vibrant array of greens and grains. As the meal progressed, Arthur turned his attention to Jason, who was tearing into a hearty piece of roast. 

“I must admit, Jason,” Arthur began, “I didn’t think we’d see more of your kind in Camelot. Yet, here we are.” 

Jason chuckled, wiping his mouth. “Yeah, me neither. But it’s a good surprise, I’d say.” 

Arthur raised his goblet. “The more, the merrier. Speaking of which,” he turned his gaze toward Connor and Annabelle, “do you two plan on staying in Camelot?” 

Annabelle exchanged a glance with Connor. “I think so. This kingdom is beautiful, and after so much traveling, it feels like a good place to settle down.” 

Arthur leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Wonderful! And I suppose you’ve found a place to stay?” 

Connor gestured toward Jason with a small smile. “Jason was kind enough to offer us rooms at his place. It seemed rude to refuse.” 

Arthur chuckled, impressed. “Generous and resourceful. You’ve chosen your allies well, Jason.” 

Just then, the grand doors of the dining hall creaked open, and all eyes turned to see Princess Emily entering.

“Ah, welcome, my daughter,” Arthur said warmly. “You’re usually painting at the garden this hour.” 

Emily took a seat beside Jason. “I got tired and decided to eat dinner a little early,” she said.

Her attention shifted to Connor and Annabelle. “Who are you two?” 

Connor stood and gave a small bow. “Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Connor, and this is Annabelle. We’re elementiels as well.” 

Emily’s eyes widened slightly before turning to Jason. “I see you’ve made some new friends,” she said, her tone teasing. 

Jason rubbed the back of his neck, his face turning a faint shade of pink. “Yeah… something like that.” 

Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment too long, and both quickly looked away, their faces flushed. Annabelle observed the exchange with a mischievous grin but said nothing. 

Suddenly, Annabelle grabbed five large chicken legs from the platter and began devouring them with gusto. The entire table paused to watch as grease smeared across her face, and she licked her fingers unapologetically. 

Connor sighed, shaking his head. “My apologies. She has… an unusual obsession with chicken.” 

The room erupted into laughter, with Emily covering her mouth to stifle her giggles. 

Arthur leaned back, a playful glint in his eye. “It’s alright. But if that’s the fastest she can eat, then I’m quite disappointed.” 

Annabelle’s head shot up, her eyes gleaming with confidence. “Oh? Is that a challenge, Your Majesty?”