"Our mother was your fated mate?" Finnick asked with a dumbfounded look on his face. He had expected a lover or even a one night stand. However, a fated pair had never crossed his mind since they were rather hard to find for both Elves and Nymphs. One had to kiss their prospective partner in order to see if the person was their mate. It didn't have to be on the lips but one person had to kiss the other.
"Yes, though she didn't know right away. I had to kiss her hand in greeting, as it is a custom in Slivet. It was then that I knew she was my mate, but she had no clue. She still chose to give me a chance when I asked for her first dance. That night was all it took for us to realize what we were to each other. Unexpectedly, the next day she had gone back home without a word." Galick explained and the two siblings cringed at the cliche love story.
"What was she like?" Cora blurted out and both men turned to look at her. Yet, her brown eyes were glued to the soup she pushed around the bowl. Galick asked Finnick silently if he could tell her but the teen only nodded. He was just as curious about who his mother was before she became the chief of the small village.
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Sixteen and a half years ago within the country of Slivet, Galick sat with his two siblings. They were in the innermost room of the castle, the audience hall that sat across from the throne room. Each sibling sat in a purple and bejeweled chair. Galick sat in the center as the eldest and heir to the kingdom. Margret sat to his right as his number one aid. In the third chair to Galick's right was the youngest of the three siblings, Thomas. His pale skin, golden eyes, and blonde hair set him apart from the dark featured siblings. The youngest was much younger but he was right behind his brother in terms of height and muscular builds.
"Tommy, are you excited? I hear the princess is beautiful!" Margret teased her youngest brother who flushed. He was only fourteen and Margret adored him as much as she liked to pick on him.
"Mary, I asked you not to call me that! Plus, even if she is beautiful, it's not like the princess would go for a bastard anyhow." Thomas groaned as he hid his face in his hands.
"Thomas, Stop it with that nonsense. You are not a bastard, you are merely the son of our fathers concubine. Neither Mary nor I will hold that against you." Galick said as he shot his sister a glare that he hoped would make her behave. Unfortunately, the girl was feeling troublesome and continued to pick on the youngest. Galick could only rub his temples as the two bickered with him in the middle.
"NOW ANNOUNCING PRINCESS OF THE NYLYM KINGDOM, PRINCESS ANESSA YGGDRASIL." a guard announced as the door to the large audience hall flew open. All attention fell to the large doors as a beautiful woman walked with grace and elegance humans could only dream of reaching. Her long hair had been pulled up into buns on each side of her head with jeweled pins adorning them. Her striking blue eyes did not falter as she walked up to the three bejeweled chairs and knelt down on her knees. She was no taller than five feet tall with delicate features. Her short but pointed ears showed her Nymph heritage, unbidden from view.
Galick was transfixed by her appearance, enchanted by her ethereal beauty. Before he even realized, he stood before her with his hand held out to help her up. It gave him an unpleasant feeling to see her kneel before him. Princess Anessa didn't take the offered hand right away but looked into his eyes curiously. Only once she seemed satisfied with what she found did she take his hand.
Once the princess was on her feet, Galick gave her hand a light peck in greeting before he released her hand. The simple action had caused lighting sparks to race up his spine. Galick had heard of the feeling several times before and what it meant. The heir to the Slivet kingdom had met his mate and it was an heir and princess from their neighboring kingdom.
"Good evening, Princess. Did you have any trouble along your travels?" Galick asked almost mindlessly as he stared into her eyes. The war of emotion in his mind was hidden by a charming smile. However, it was easy enough for the princess to sense the prince's new turmoil. Though she looked at him with confusion, she said nothing about the odd behavior.
"No, there was nothing I couldn't handle." Anessa replied with a confident smile that brought an entire wave of new emotions over the Elf. Her voice was just as lovely and matched her soft features perfectly.
"I am sure that you and your aides must be tired from the long journey. I will have someone show you to your room." Galick said as the doors to the audience hall opened once more. Taken aback by the sudden dismissal, the princess followed behind the prince's aid silently after a short curtsy of farewell.
Galick was both thankful that she was gone and yet loathed to see her walk away. The Nymph princess was everything Galick had ever wanted in his other half. She was graceful, dignified, thoughtful, and beautiful to top it off. Though he recognized how perfect she was, he knew that their union was impossible. However, his siblings did not give him the chance to think it over before they were in his personal space.
"What the hell was all that, Mister!" Mary raved as Thomas nodded along behind her. The eldest would have laughed at the action if he wasn't buried within his inner turmoil. His mind and his soul were at war within him.
"She is my fated mate…" he blurted but instantly regretted it when a squeal escaped his sister. Not having prepared for the attack, the three of them fell to the floor in a heap of appendages. However, the elf was not in the mood to celebrate and the other two caught on after a few minutes of squeals. Slowly, the three siblings untangled themselves and stood. The younger two wiggled in place as they waited for their elder brother to speak.
"What is the matter? Isn't finding one's mate the one thing we all long for?" Thomas asked, exasperated by his brother's somber mood. Galick was not happy with his brother's tone but he understood where the youngest was coming from. Every creature in existence wanted to meet their mate, their destined other half. However, it was not always that easy but Thomas didn't understand that yet.
"Everyone longs for their mate to some degree but it was not high on my priority list. Who would I meet besides other heirs to the throne or maybe a commoner or two. However, I hoped that it wouldn't be the heir to another country. Neither of us can give up our thrones just for the sake of the other." Galick answered and the other two seemed to grasp the situation.
"A solution may appear but, you won't know unless you look.!" Thomas said with a sad but hopeful smile on his face. Galick just shook his head and slumped into his seat dejectedly.
Galick was a lovesick puppy for the days that followed. Unable to be with or without the sight of his mate tore him to bits. His mood only improved marginally when he could see the face of the visiting princess. It took all of his might not to walk over to her each time but he held himself back. Instead, he would steal glaces every chance that he could and at some point he stopped caring if he got caught by others. The entire conference flew by and Galick had no idea what had been decided other than his heart was lost. He could neither have nor let go of his feelings for Princess Anessa Yggdrasil.
To celebrate the successful end to the conference, the royal family decided to hold a ball. It was a spectacular event with golden and purple curtains adorning the large windows. Small ice sculptures were placed on each table with an array of native flowers surrounding them. The crystal ceiling let in the lovely moonlight that made the ivory walls seem to glow. Floating mid air around the ballroom were trays of various foods and drinks.
"Oh my, this is beautiful, mother…" Mary cheered as she entered the room with her arm linked with the queens. Thomas linked arms with his mother and followed the two women in. Galick and his father followed awkwardly behind without escorts.
"Thank you! Elise was a great help in planning the ball, Thomas. She picked out the food and drinks while I decorated. I never would have gotten this done in time otherwise." Queen Uylicie gushed as she looked at the shortest of the three men and the woman beside him. The pair blushed but Thomas smiled widely at his mother. Her blonde tresses flowed down to her bosom were half put up into a braided design with jewels placed carefully into position. The golden eyes they shared were both alight with happiness. It was odd for a queen to be so accepting of a concubine but the Queen adored both the boy and his mother.
In the middle of the left wall, there was a long table with six large chairs. The king was the first to sit down in the center. To signify her higher status, the queen took her place to the right of the king. Her two children followed suit as they were both legitimate royals. The blonde concubine took her seat to the left of the king. It showed that they held less power than the queen but were still favored by the king. Even though their seats were politically based, none of them seemed to mind as they were greeted by each guest.
"Dear, we should get this started or else the ball will not end until the next day!" the Queen joked but the King knew she was right.
"And who would dare complain about such a party held by the royal family!" King Shaharzad smirked as he spoke. The queen merely rolled her eyes as the monarch stood and readied his speech.
"On behalf of the royal family of Slivet, I welcome the delegates of the thirteen countries and their partners. After spending what feels like months on the peace treaty, it has finally been not only completed but also holds the seal of promise for each of our countries. As the first ever peace conference ends, let us thank our respective Gods for this enormous blessing.Tonight, we are no longer sitting in a stuffy conference room. Instead, we are here, in the beautiful ball room my wife and first consort decorated for your enjoyment. There is a variety of drinks and foods for you to choose from as the night carries on. Please make yourselves comfortable and rest well before you return to your home. I look forward to our reunion within the Nylym kingdom next year". King Shaharzad announced and with a snap of his fingers the musicians in the corner of the room sprung to life.
The first song was light and airy, just like the atmosphere as many chatted, others walked out onto the dance floor after the king and queen, and others followed the surviving trays around the room. It seemed to pain Galick to see all of the happy couples dancing, laughing, and eating together. It pushed him over the edge and before he knew it, he stood behind the princess. A ball of nerves had settled in his stomach as he approached the princess.
Princess Anessa sat with a somewhat bored expression on her face as she watched the others. As if, she had no desire to have contact with anyone she held tight to her glass of warmed honey mead. Unfortunately, she was faced away from Galick when he tapped her shoulder to gain her attention. Unceremoniously, the Nymph jumped halfway out of her seat and her left hand swooped up to her rapidly beating heart. Her large eyes landed on a towering male with brown hair and eyes she quickly recognized.
"Yo-your highness?" she half asked, half stated as she calmed herself. However, the young woman couldn't stop the smirk when she noticed the hulking male rub the back of his neck in guilt and embarrassment.
"My apologies, Lady Anessa. I didn't mean to frighten you, although it is dreadfully hard when I am the size of a horse on a good day."Galick apologized with mock annoyance at his tall stature. A sigh consisting of both appreciation and apprehension escaped the male when the princes laughed lightly.
"I can see how that might be difficult. Was there something I could help you with?" the princess asked, her blue eyes alight with curiosity.
"Well, you looked terribly bored and I hoped you might join me for a dance?" Galick asked as he bowed at the waist lightly and offered his hand.
Not expecting him to ask to dance, the princess was shocked but still slid her hand into his. She had felt a sort of pull to the male ever since they locked eyes on her arrival. Galick led the princess to the dance floor as many other couples walked on and off at the change of a song.
"What made you ask me, of all people, to dance?" Anessa asked with mischief in her eyes. She was curious about the Elf's intentions as they spun to the new up beat tune.
"Princess, even if I were to tell you the truth, I am unsure if you would believe me. However, this is driving me mad beyond reason. So, I ask that you do one thing for me and it will all be clear." Galick replied with a hesitant expression. The princess was surprised by his shy and resistant behavior. It made her suspicious of what this man had in store. Was he like all the others that tried to claim her as his? Would this time be different and he actually needs something from her. Curious but Cautious, the princess nodded her head and the Elven prince took her hand. The two of them left the dance floor and walked through a few short hallways. They didn't stop until they reached a door labeled to be the royal family's lounge.
"I thought some privacy would be best so I brought us here. I figured you would be more at ease here where anyone in the royal family could enter. Rather than my bedroom or the guest lounge. Anyway, the truth is when I kissed your hand when you arrived I felt as though I was struck by lightning. As I am sure you know, this usually means that you have met your mate. What I am asking of you is that you kiss my cheek or hand to see if this is truly a mate bond. If not, then it would seem to be a rather heated one sided crush." Galick explained as he grabbed a chilled bottle of 'Shicka' and two glasses from a nearby cart with his free hand. Galick helped the princess sit on a padded bench that mirrored the one on the other side of a crystal table. After he placed a poured drink in front of the princess, Galick sat across from her on the other bench as he poured his own drink.
"Is this some kind of joke or, do you really think that we are mates?" Princess Anessa asked as she took a sip of the purple colored liquid in her cup. The first thing the Elf noticed was how high her defenses were.
"My lady, please be at ease here. If it would make you feel better, I can call for one of your ladies in waiting. The only reason I brought you here was to find the truth. If I wanted to do something improper, I would have taken you somewhere much more secure. I also would not have taken you from a room full of witnesses." Galick answered as he rubbed his aching temples. What the prince said seemed to relax the Nymph as she downed her entire glass of 'Shicka'.
"I do not mean to be so on guard but this is not the first time someone has made such a claim. Nor is it the first time that someone has tried something scandalous. I will do as you ask under one condition, if I kiss your hand and I am not your mate… you will let me go." the princess said as she refilled her cup. Galick stared at her slack jawed as thoughts filled his mind.
"Princess, it was never my intention to keep you here if that is not what you wish, mate or not. If you don't want to grant this request, you are free to choose that. I will walk out of this room and go back to my seat. You being comfortable is much more important than anything else to me." Galick said as he polished off a second glass of the weak liquor.
"You would truly walk away from possibly finding your mate just because I was uncomfortable?" Anessa asked as she looked the male over for any deceit. However, all she found were traits that she had always wanted in a mate. Strong, kind, tall, and honorable.
"Yes, because mates are two halves of a whole. If my mate does not wish to be with me then I have no other option than to let go. If I do not mate with my intended mate within a year, there is a possibility of finding another one. If I don't, then it was not meant to be for me." Galick said as he looked out the open balcony doors to the night sky.
"I'll do it, because it's you. If it were anyone else, the answer would have most likely been no. However, you have shown me nothing but respect ever since I arrived here. If nothing else, I can return that kindness. Please, give me your hand." the princess replied and held her hand out for his. Galick hesitantly placed his hand into hers and a shiver ran up his spine at the feel of her soft skin. However, something much more powerful ran up his spine when she placed a soft kiss on his palm.
The princess was breathless as delicious waves of lightning washed over her being. It was a sensation that she had never felt before. One that she knew only from the mated pairs of her kingdom. When it finally ended, her heart was in her throat. With this, it was clear that the two of them were mates.
"So, it's true…" Galick mumbled and that brought the princess out of her thoughts. Both of them nursed their drinks in silence.
"What do we do now?" Princess Anessa asked in a soft voice and Galick ran a hand down his face.
"If I had the answers, I would gladly answer any question you set forth. However, I have no idea where we can go from here. If it was up to me, I would like for you to stay with me but I recognize how impossible that is." Galick answered but he refused to look at the princess.
Annoyed with his unwillingness to meet her eyes, the princess rose from her seat. Instead, she placed herself on his lap in an intimate but still respectable pose. Galick's eyes had no choice but to find hers when slender fingers cupped his face. They did not speak for a long time but neither really needed to speak. Instead, the princess once again made the first move and brought his lips up to meet hers. The kiss started off soft and hesitant as any first kiss would. However, as time went by… it grew needy and deep. Slowly, as if they had all the time in the world, they got lost in the intimate touches.
"Are you sure about this?" Galick asked as he lifted himself off her half naked form. The sincerity and adoration pulled the princess in and found herself nodding.
"Say it, I need for you to say that this is what you want." Galick ordered and it sent both a chill and heat to the Nymphs core.
"Yes, this is what I want." Anessa replied with a soft smile on her lips. Before Galick knew what happened, his mouth was on hers in a heated kiss as her hands wrapped around his shoulders. The night they shared together in a half delirious, half drunk haze was the first and last time they saw each other as mates. The next morning, the princess was gone without a trace.
The day that she left was the day Galick stopped functioning. The Elf was more like the living dead and it lasted for several months. He could not sleep, eating felt like a chore, and being around his family felt like glass shards in his heart. At some point, Galick could no longer take it and packed what he would need in a small pack.
The Elf traveled across the land, the sea, and the sky to reach the floating castle of the Nylym kingdom. He felt severely under-dressed as he was led down the halls in his travel worn clothes. Embarrassment was the last thing on his mind as he entered the throne room. His eyes darted all over the room but he could not spot the soft pink tresses that he missed so terribly.
"Prince Galick? Is that you?" a rugged voice called out from the throne and Galick dropped to one knee in respect. The man on the throne was the same age as his own father with green hair and yellow eyes that resembled cats.
"Yes, your majesty." Galick responded to the king, Anessa's father. However, the king lost all kindness when the man's identity was confirmed. Galick understood that he might be hostile to his prospective son in law. However, the hostility went beyond that of a simple family dispute.
"She is not here." he said coldly as he glared at the man before him and Galick turned white. The elf had given up the throne, traveled miles upon miles, but was not able to see the very person he did it for. He didn't even realize that he had completely crumpled to the floor. All he knew was that when he looked up to the king with complete despair, the king's attitude changed.
"She is your mate, isn't she?" the king, Rodrick, asked with a serious look on his plain face. Galick barely managed to nod before the ache in his heart grew to be too tortuous and he passed out.
"Anessa… what have you done this time?" King Shaharzad sighed as he brushed a hand over his face.