For No One's Crown

Breaking barracades

The next day

Yet again I was out in the wilderness but I was on my own this time. There was no reason for me to be out here other than leisurely enjoyment. Many attempts of pushing the night's events out of my mind had failed and this was my only chance at redemption. I'd sent a letter to the prince holding my sincerest apologies and hopes at forgiveness but the real question is did I deserve it? He had no reason to forgive me as I had nothing to give him in return

He knew that, but then again - it was humiliating to the king for the prince to act in such a way towards a guest. Elves had an incredible tolerance to liquor but when the expensive stuff was brought out, and there was enough time before pressuring guests from unknown kingdoms - maybe he turned to liquid courage to put on his best front? That had to be the only explanation

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought my back from the memories of the previous night "I'm sorry my lady, he just-" my head spun to see the prince and Faylen panting while leaning on her knees "should I escort him to the gates?" She received no answer. I just stared in shock, it seemed so impossible for him to be here even though we were neighbouring kingdoms

"No, it's quite alright. Would you mind leaving us?" She gave a knowing smirk before curtsying and departing. The prince watched her leave and walk the path back to the castle "Approaching a lady without an escort to hand? You're breaking all the rules recently, my prince" I was well aware I'd just sent aware my escort, but I couldn't risk his reputation being tarnished

"My lady, last night - I meant no disrespect...I come before you today to apologise for my behaviour, if you'll let me?" The elf was full down on a knee bowing - he had no memory of the details I'd told him. I was the one who should've been bowing to him! Was this what it felt like to be born in a position of power? It was easy to see how it could be so addictive, but I preferred humility

At once, I lowered myself into a curtsy "there is no need to bow before someone with a lower status than yourself, Crown Prince" his eyebrows furrowed as he rose and signalled for me to do so, all prompts for conversation left my mind when I realised I'd have to explain last night...if he knew but didn't remember - we'd been seen "who told you of your behaviour last night?"

"My captain of the guards whom is sworn to secrecy" I nodded slowly processing the information, surely no one would out the prince and risk their own job? That meant I too was safe from the scrutiny, not that it could affect anything except Lord Elrond's name and company "May I ask your name?" A small smile tugged at both our lips, but for different reasons

He must've of assumed he'd posed this question before, and I recalled the amount of flirting he attempted to flatter me with before such information was given. It was charming, but what would occur this turn? I'd promised myself I wouldn't allow this elf to tarnish his crown with my hand in marriage, oh how mad the king would be! "Eiraira, my prince..." the archer's lips repeated my name under his breath as if to learn it

"Your lady's maid informed me that this is where you come to think, or be alone...may I ask which?" When standing on the edge of the ruin, Mirkwood was directly in sight - a keep that had been through so much, when battle called - serious ones. Their king was rumoured to turn a blind eye in fear of losing more than he'd already lost, such pride came from great tragedy...I could only hope his son would change that date

"Ourselves such as yourself, kind and charming - they're a rare find. That signals that the end of age we were raised with is nigh. As much as I despise to say it, soon enough, our kin may mock the old stories. These ruins bless me with insight and a lesson that nothing lasts forever" my prince's breathing deepened as he took in the view from my side "on the bright side - everyone will eventually forget your foolish behaviour"

We shared a small chuckle "Are you of Lord Elrond's descendants?" The question caught me off guard, perhaps it wasn't my best judgment to tell him my life story during our first meeting...but I had a chance to make a better judgment now, him and his silky blonde hair that likely made every elleth (she-elf) swoon. His presence was enchanting all on its own, but I couldn't allow myself that fantasy

"That, is a story that will remain with your drunk self. But please do inform me if you recall any of the nights events" I began to stroll back to the entrance of the ruins as he followed suit. Dinner would be ready soon and surely he was needed in his kingdom, not mine - Lord Elrond would likely have allowed him to join us for such an occasion...it would add the the scandal he'd already created, in my mind - we had to let that die down before being seen together again...

It was for the best...