Annihilation - Book Three

Chapter 19

How must it feel to be a lowly elf among an elite society?

I watch what can only be considered the help carry luggage in and out, dressed in full armor, I see that Haryek is making full use of his army. It all felt more like a spectacle than what was necessary. Did his soldiers truly have nothing better to do than load us down? Surely we were more than capable.

I think about their lives. What must happen to an elf to put them in a position such as a guard? While it was regarded as high praise to protect the king, I imagine one of low breeding must be responsible for such tasks. Elves are some of the world's most skilled fighters, yet these men were treated like common servants.

Haryek could be formidable if he could overcome the fact that he'd have to apply effort, though I remember as a child we had employed a substantial elven guard for quite some time. They are just like anyone else, with upper and lower ranks; it had to be a status issue. I catch myself staring as a lady in waiting approaches, her slim gown nearly see-through in places; she looked as though she were made of ivory.

I'm sure she might have been promised to one of Haryek's brothers at some point, yet all of his siblings have neglected to make an appearance.

The elf woman curtsies with a light bow of her head. "Your Highness." She greets me, folding her hands before her navel as I offer her a nod. Glancing down at my clothes, I realize I'm not entirely dressed for public display, and she giggles at my obvious embarrassment.

"Don't worry, I'm just observing. Seems a shame to waste good men on such a silly task." I comment, crossing my arms over my chest, trying not to pick on the fact that she stood almost six feet tall. At my meager five foot five inches, I wasn't sure if it was my clothes or my height she was laughing at.

"Oh, I wasn't going to scold you, Your Highness. You are to be King of this country; I don't think it's quite my place to tell you anything that would dissuade your pleasure." Her nose is flatter than most, broad at the base, and close to her full upper lip. She tilts her chin up to watch as I do, yet I can feel the honey-colored eyes on me every so often.

"You have something on your mind?" I question, exhaling, resisting the urge to lean away from the gaze that mounted with interest.

"Are you promised to a woman of magic decent? It would be quite the story to take on an Elven mistress, should it circulate. Not that I'm complaining; I'm just wondering which of my ladies has caught your fancy and who dared to intrude on a welcomed guest. You've not made a pass at any of our ladies, so I assume it was a proposition more than something you sought out."

The boldness of elves never ceases to catch me off guard. I nearly choke, and it takes all of my training to reel the shock back in. "Excuse me, I beg your pardon?"

Blinking a few times, she frowns, composing her face just as I do mine. Perhaps we weren't speaking of the same thing, for she turns her attention back to the men running in and out of the oak front doors. "I must have misheard."

"You most certainly have; I assure you; I sleep quite comfortably without a woman in my bed. If this is your way of offering me one of your ladies-"

She shakes her head, lifting her hand, "No, Your Highness, I must have been mistaken, and I apologize for my boldness. I had heard.. what sounded like.. a woman in your chambers in the night. Haryek confirmed that you weren't betrothed, that you had a visitor... but I suppose he was merely hoping to cause mischief."

Pulling my lips into a thin line, I run a hand through my hair only to be disrupted by the crown, and I'm tempted to throw the damn thing. "Excuse me, my lady. I must retire. Thank you for the company."