The Elvin Queen

Time for Lunch

Sophie POV

Sophie hurried out of Magnate Leto's office, still trying to process the information she had just received. 

Her father was Councilor Bronte.

Why had he never mentioned anything to me? I've seen him so many times, he's my mentor for god's sake! I don't even want to talk about my mother, whoever she may be. Who knew elves had royalty? Could I really ever be a princess? I can't even walk in heels or apply makeup or-

Her thoughts were interrupted as she crashed into another student, one with a strong body and a kind voice.

      "I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going-" She started, only to be cut off by a familiar voice.

     "Sophie? Are you okay? Your skin is pale." Fitz asked, his bright teal eyes searching her face for about the third time. His hands were gripping her shoulders, steadying her and making sure she didn't fall.

     "I'm fine, Fitz. Magnate Leto just told me something, and I'm still just adjusting to the information. Don't worry, I'll tell you all what he said during lunch," she added, knowing he would want to hear Leto's words, especially since they're cognates.

Fitz nodded his head and let go of my shoulders. Silence rang in the air as we walked towards the lunchroom together, pushing the heavy doors open to reveal the noisy crowds and table groups of the cafeteria. Unlike human cafeterias, the floors were clean, and the food, decent.

Sophie and Fitz walked over to the lunch line, holding their trays as the lady plopped spoonfuls of purple and brown mush onto their plates. Trying to hide her disgusted face as she watched the mush melt into a purple puddle, Sophie walked to the group's usual table, right in the center of the room.

Slamming her tray on the table, she grabbed the group's attention, making them wonder what she had to say.

     "Guys, I have something to tell you," She said, looking all of her friends in the eyes.

     "Well, that was kind of obvious with the way you slammed your tray on the table," Keefe said, his signature smirk across his face.

     Sophie rolled her eyes. "Magnate Leto told me who my parents are."

She paused for a few seconds, watching as her friends reacted to the news. Fitz, Biana, and Linh's eyes widened, Dex's jaw dropped, Keefe spit out a mouthful of water, and somehow, Tam didn't react at all, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.

     "I thought you guys would react that way," She said, a small smile spreading across her face.

     "Well?! Are you gonna tell us who they are or what?"

     Sophie sighed. "My parents...My parents are Councillor Bronte and Empress Elenora Alannah Cordelia."

     "What?!"

     Biana squealed. "Wait - Your mom is Empress Elenora? She's like, a total legend!"

     Sophie nodded, her small smile returning to her face. "What do you guys think I should do?"

     "I, for one, think it is unacceptable of Mr. Pointy Ears for keeping this secret for this long! You should go to his castle tonight and demand to get answers!" Keefe said with a posh accent, slamming the table to show his exasperation.

      Sophie thought about the idea, her hand coming up to support her head. "Actually, I kind of like that idea. Thanks, Keefe."

     "No problema," Keefe said, moving his right hand to mock a military solute.

     Sophie took a deep breath. "So, it's settled then. I'll go talk to Bronte tonight. And Keefe, since it was your idea, you're coming with me."