The Prince of Ilios

Fifty-Eight

Ellora felt the cold porcelain cup under her fingers, rimmed with gold and handpainted with a spray of golden leaves. Golden liquid swirled in it warming it as the servant poured her more tea. Ava and River had woken her up this morning with an eruption of news. Aid was coming from the other provinces and they were all required to greet the ambassadors as they came.

There was no knowing which would arrive first or how many would show. The head manservant, Mr. Garson informed them this morning that each girl would make preparations for their province. He had replaced Mrs. Brooks, although seemed only slightly less severe. Since Ellora had no province to speak of, she was in charge of looking after the ones who had already gone home, since they were not expected to send as much aid. It was clear that Mr. Garson was giving her more work, testing her competence. She sighed, sipping at the golden liquid.

Ava chatted happily beside her. The other girls were a murmuring chorus in the background. Ellora did not even try to pretend to understand what she was saying, but let her mind wander instead.

Trumpets sounded from the front of the castle, signaling the first province's arrival. The girls got up and scurried to the front courtyard to welcome the visitors.

Mr. Garson paled, apparently caught unaware of who it would be.

They lined up quickly as a slew of troops and wagons came through the courtyard. The flag they carried belonged to Vatra. Mr. Garson grimaced and coughed, then, not so subtly motioned to Ellora.

Ellora stepped forward. She tried to keep her own grimace off of her face as she remembered how her last exchange with the Prince of Vatra had ended.

Finally a dark carriage rounded the corner. A footman in white stepped forward to open the door.

Cyrus' heavy boot thumped on the steps.

Ellora curtsied to him, "Welcome, Cyrus, of Vatra."

A shiver ran over her spine at remembering his face. His presence was oppressive.

He nodded to her, taking her hand in greeting, "Ellora, of the Southern Isles. I am surprised to be greeted by you."

Ellora took her hand away a little too quickly, the pain in her back immediately flaring, "We welcome your aid. The servants will show your people to their quarters. You have been here before of course, you remember where everything is. Please, have everyone enjoy some refreshment and rest from your long journey."

He scanned the faces of the crowd, smiling, "Where is his Highness? Is he not here to greet us himself?" His voice sounded cold and offended as his eyes narrowed at her.

"He would have greeted you himself, if you had sent word of your arrival." Her reply was flat and inelegant. She would be no doubt hearing about her rudeness from Mr. Garson later. She motioned to a man servant who came to stand beside her, "This is your personal aid while you are here. His name is Philip, and he will show you to your room. Please, let him know if anything is lacking, and we will make sure to accommodate you." She turned to the servant, "Philip, please, show Lord Cyrus to his quarters."

Cyrus sneered, "In the Prince's absence, I would have you escort me. Am I not important enough?"

Her teeth ground inside her mouth as her jaw clenched. Cyrus was not even here a few minutes and already causing her annoyance. She moved to reply, but before she could, Mr. Garson stepped out of line, "Of course, she will escort you. The Prince would himself, if he were here. We are grateful to have Vatra's cooperation and help. It is the very least we could do."

Ellora clenched her fists, I've been backed into a corner. Cyrus offered his arm. She turned, not caring how rude she was, "Very well. Come." Ellora dared not look back, but headed straight inside. It did not take long for Cyrus to catch up to her.

"You are a rude one." Cyrus snaked behind her. He had two personal guards following behind him proudly.

"No need to stand on ceremony, since we have met before." She continued down the hall toward his quarters, which were being prepared immediately. Hopefully they were completed, she would hate to have to stay and watch the servants scurry about while making awkward conversation with the man.

"And what a wonderful meeting it was." He sounded happy.

She could feel the heat of his gaze on her back. Luckily her hair covered the blackened mark that he had left the last time he was with them. She quickened her pace.

"Little dove."

She turned on her heel, almost running into him, "You will address me as Miss Ellora or..." She gulped at her proper Ilios title, "...Lady Ellora." He looked as though he were having the time of his life. It was clear that her irritation encouraged him. Ellora tried to cool to indifference. But he immediately backed her into the wall, arms surrounding her on both sides.

"Lady Ellora," He was right in front of her face. For anyone else, his smile could be seen as winning, and his chiseled features, handsome, but for Ellora only cold tendrils of fear crept into her veins. She had only ever felt this kind of fear a few times, when she had been lost, or almost kidnapped as a child. He continued, "As we will be seeing each other more often, why don't we forget our first meeting and start anew?"

She did not have much of a choice, at least he sounded like he wanted to play nice for now. She swallowed, her mouth dry, "Fine. Please, step back, so that I may show you to your rooms."

He nodded, took a step back and motioned with his arm, "After you, Princess."

Ellora continued to the third set of doors, finally there, "These will be your chambers. Philip will be at your beck and call, do not hesitate to ask for his assistance." His guards went in first to inspect the room. He followed and Ellora stayed in the hall.

"Dinner is in two hours, be at your leisure." She said her farewell and turned to leave, striding quickly down the hall.

"See you then, little dove." He called after her.

Cyrus turned back to his guards, "And so it starts, gentleman. Tomorrow, we shall survey the damage that she has wrought." His lips curved up into a smile as he surveyed his room and the balcony. Overlooking the kingdom.