The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 10 - An impossible choice

Talia bursts into Elissa's room, bubbling with excitement. "Elissa, you have to come." She pulls Elissa to her feet. "The elves are arriving!"

Elissa is surprised, for it is still half a moon until the solstice. Hand in hand, they run through the palace and across the quad to the gate, which is open.

Then with more decorum, they walk out onto the bridge. Lucifer is already stood waiting, staring out. She does not think that he has noticed her arrival, but he reaches out a hand behind him and draws her to his side.

The procession of light elves is impressive; all dressed in white and silver and riding on white horses with silver woven into their manes. As they reach the river, the front riders peel away with graceful precision, forming an arc either side of the bridge.

Two regal figures approach, riding side by side. The first is her grandmother Celestia, Queen of the light elves and the second is her father, Prince Aldebaran.

Lucifer helps Celestia to dismount. She is as beautiful as ever, though almost like a gem, devoid of flaws and emotions.  The only colour in her ensemble is from the purple jewels in her silver crown; a perfect match to her eyes.

Aldebaran nimbly jumps down and offers Elissa his arm, along with a flicker of a smile. "It heartens me to see you, daughter of mine. May I intrude upon your time?"

"Of course, if you are sure that you wouldn't prefer to rest first after your journey."

"Well, some refreshment to soothe these parched lips would not be refused."

Once they are settled in her room, Aldebaran takes a sip of tea then turns to her. "I understand why your destiny brought you to Avalon. I regret that you did not feel that you could speak to me." His lilac eyes, for once, betraying a sense of hurt.

Confused, she crinkles her brow. "But I did! It was you who sneaked me out of Alfhmeir."

It is his turn to frown. Perplexed, he insists, "You must be mistaken. That night when I returned from dining at the high table, you were already abed. It was not until the morn that I discovered your absence."

"Father, I assure you that we spoke. I told you about..." Her words dry out and in a whisper, she finishes, "Morpheus."

"Of course." It as if a light bulb flashes in his head. "I recall now. I had an unexpected late-night visit from him. He was in a particularly mercurial mood."

Morpheus! Elissa shivers. Oh my god. He must have messed with my father's memories.

.....

Lucifer seeks out the sanctuary of his office. His mother can be trying company and her instance on calling him Regulus brings back unhappy memories as a child. His rest is short-lived as the Watcher flashes up on his mirror and informs him that Lord Nero would like to speak with him.

Sighing, he nods and schools his features. The surface of the mirror ripples before settling on an image of Nero.

"Your majesty." Nero bows his head. "I thought you ought to know that the eagle tried to fly its coop."

Lucifer looks to the ceiling for strength. That is all I need.

"Be assured, my elves recaptured him before he could flee. Though how he escaped the cage, I know not. The magic should only answer to me." Nero's eyes narrow, obviously peeved.

"Elissa!" Lucifer whispers under his breath and inwardly curses when Nero evidently hears.

"My, my, how her powers are growing. Surely a feat to almost rival that of the Dark King."