The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 7 - Stalemate

Elissa takes a deep, calming breath and stares at Lucifer, who is sat relaxed in his chair across the table from her. "So, you agree to convene the Royal Council, but won't let Sirius attend?"

Lucifer response is intransigent. "He cannot represent the Elementals."

Standing, she leans forward, placing her hands on the table, and practically yells, "Cosmos's death was your doing. Sirius is innocent, yet he carries the blame."

He looks pointedly at the table, where a waft of smoke rises. Snatching back her hands, she is alarmed to see faint handprints burnt into the wood. Don't let him rile you, Elle.

With a voice of stretched patience, she reasons, "In my vision, Sirius was clearly sitting next to you. I thought that you wanted the Light."

"I want you more," he responds smoothly, the twinkle in his eyes indicating that she is not going to like his next statement. "I will not have it said that I am an unreasonable king..."

Her unladylike scoffing interrupts him. He waits a moment before continuing, "... therefore I will agree to my uncle's attendance, on the condition that we become betrothed."

"That is hardly a fair deal."

Lucifer sits straighter in his chair and challenges her, "You ask me to support your vision, yet you refute the validity of mine. I have foreseen that you will be my queen."

"I do not care for political allegiances or retaining bloodlines. If I am to marry, then it must be for love."

His voice now takes on an offended tone. "You think that I care so little for love? I refuse to take an unwilling bride. I want an equal, a friend, a lover, someone to share my life with."

Such is his earnestness that she wonders if perhaps she has misjudged him a smidgen.

"I have a compromise. I will agree to your request if you will at least allow me the opportunity to sway you on mine," he says, his voice the epitome of reasonableness.

"What do you mean?" she asks, narrowing her eyes.

"If I am unable to persuade you of my worthiness by the end of the longest day, then I will cease to press my suit."

"So, after the summer solstice you will let me go?" she queries, a slight frown crinkling her brow. This seems too easy.

"If you find that you still wish to leave." He shrugs and smiles pleasantly.

Tentatively, she places her hand in his outstretched hand, thinking that they are to shake on it. Instead, he raises her hand to his lips.

......

Following Lucifer into his study, Elissa is immediately hit by the weight of her ancestors power. For hundreds of solars Elementals kings have used the room and left an impression.

As she passes by Lucifer's magic mirror, it takes on a luminous blue glow. All the hairs on her arms stand on end and several blue sparks fly from her fingertips. This is not the first time one of the magic mirrors has behaved erratically and it makes her feel unsettled.

Lucifer quickly steps in and gently guides her into a high-backed, leather chair. Taking the seat next to her, he commands the mirror; it shimmers silver before connecting through to Queen Celestia.

"Greetings, mother."

"Regulus." The elven queen's response is emotionless.

Even when he goes on to expound how he reconciled with his father and that Elissa will recover the Light of Elysium, Celestia remains detached. Elissa can't help feeling a bit sorry for him.