Love comes in many forms.
Speaking about it, imagining it, and melting at the mere prospect of it can leave you giddy with its richness.
But defining it, expressing or experiencing it - that's a different game.
Elijah - the heir to the throne of...
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The Yelastine was a place that was most treasured in our kingdom, out-competing the value of even the Alcove of Amortas. It was almost a palace in itself, holding precious souvenirs brought from the wars waged against our country. But these weren't souvenirs that can be used to decorate dressing tables or walls, unless one had a keen interest in using blood-soaked items for garnishing their homes.
These souvenirs ranged from the decapitated heads of past enemies, with their weapons that mercilessly laid on the battleground without an owner, and many more 'treasures' that reminded us of the blood every reigning king ever, had poured for their kingdom in their battles throughout.
We were to only visit this quarter of the palace once a year, during a colossal festivity to celebrate the history of the kingdom of Yandestine.
As Zyanna and I stood in front of the gigantic doors, I thought about what could happen if we were caught exploring a place we shouldn't even be in.
I might have been the heir to the throne, but that didn't mean I was above the rules. My mother had always taught me that, and I abided by it, clearly until now.
"Elijah, stop being dramatic and step inside! If it's just the darkness you're afraid of, then I'll let you hold my hand. Actually, wouldn't it just be like the old times, when we were younger and you were too afraid to go to the bathroom by yourself at night so I had to-"
"My goodness, stop, stop! I'll come inside, just don't open your mouth!" I whispered out angrily, almost jumping into an embarrassed outcry.
Aaliyah pressed her lips together immediately, her eyes still crinkling with laughter, as Zyanna laughed out heartily and stepped inside before me.
We started walking, as Lia held a large candle in her hand, leading us forward.
"Where are we exactly going, Lia?" I questioned because we were still surrounded by partial darkness, the candle only showing what was many doors within the Yelastine that we rejected and passed.
Aaliyah didn't respond, as she finally stopped at one particular door among the many other ones. The only difference in this one was that it had a painting of my father upon it, whereas the other ones held the painted portraits of the other kings that had reigned over Yandestine in the past.
The doorknob was carved in the shape of a crystal ball, shining with a sparkle that was brighter than the candle's flame.
Lia touched the knob with her index finger and did an unusual drumming pattern on it, and then turned the knob down, opening the door. It was sort of like a key to opening this door, each door holding its own rare finger pattern, so that no outsider could just barge in to steal what was ours.
"Lia, I'm afraid of your answer, but how exactly did you obtain that pattern that is only known to our father?"
"I didn't threaten or kill anyone, if that relaxes your conscience, Eli."
