Book 2 (Complete) - A game of Queen's conquest is set to be played across Elysium and in the four corners stand Elissa's suitors:
- The High King - he insists that they are a perfect match, but will she agree?
- The Dark King - bound by blood...
Elissa approaches Storm with her hand outstretched. That tiny foal she brought back to life has certainly prospered, for he looks fully grown yet can only be about eighteen months old.
The horse snuffles into her palm and gives a happy whinny.
"Careful ma'am, he's a biter like his pa."
Elissa turns to face a stable hand, who looks to be about fifteen and has a smudge of dirt on his nose that just begs to be wiped away. "Has he been ridden yet?"
The boy stares at her, dumbstruck. Gawain strides out of the stable complex wearing a silver breastplate with golden figures of rampant lion and bear. His silver helmet has the likeness of a hawk perched on top, with its wings covering Gawain's ears. His boots are shined with a mirror-like polish and a ceremonial sword hanging at his side completes the look.
He gently cuffs the stable boy about the ear. "Go inside and help saddle up the horses."
"You won't bite me, will you?" Elissa coos at the horse, who nuzzles her neck affectionately. "Will you carry me into town?"
Gawain shakes his head. "If it were anyone else, I would say they were a fool to even think of riding him. He will not even take a saddle. Yet you pipe the very tunes of nature and I doubt that there is beast who would not answer your call."
The stable's double doors open and the boy emerges, leading out a majestic bay charger. The mounted figures of Philip and Fillan follow behind. They too have ceremonial helmets displaying their primes. Behind them are six more mounted guards, two of which are carrying sky-blue banners bearing the Animages royal crest.
"What is the occasion?" Elissa enquires
"The Queen of Elysium requires a guard of honour," Gawain responds matter-of-factly.
She opens her mouth to protest, then closes it at Gawain's raised eyebrow, for this is one battle she will not win. Instead, she nimbly leaps on to Storm's back and leans forward to mutter words of encouragement as he gets used to bearing her weight.
A guard and a standard bearer lead the procession, with Elissa and Gawain next, the two young lords behind them and another guard and a standard bearer at the rear. They make their way down the hill at a leisurely pace, so Elissa is able to admire the scenery.
The city is spread out in a lush green valley with properties sprinkled amongst gardens and parks. Even when they get to the main road leading to the heart of the citadel, nature is apparent. The wide boulevard is lined on both sides with bright green lime trees interspersed with cherry trees in blossom.
Ahead, Elissa spots a crowd gathered and turns to quiz her companion, "Er, Gawain, what is that?"
"I was informed that there would be a welcome party of officials. I should have foreseen that your visit would, of course garner attention from the people. You are the youngest queen in Elysium and our first ever High Queen. Also, your romance with the young prince has evoked much speculation."
"You could have mentioned this before we left." She looks down in dismay at her slightly crumpled dress. Although it is a fine dress, she wore it travelling yesterday and then slept in it last night.
A breeze whips up and petals from the cherry trees waft up into the air and gather in a swirling cloud of white and pink. The cloud rains down upon Elissa, the petals sticking all over her dress in intricate patterns. A magnolia tree in one of the front gardens gives up several of its magnificent flowers and they sail through the air, circling her head in a sweet-scented crown.
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