While admiring the various style of dressing from the guests, she could easily identify their respective cultures. It was something her parents had wanted her and her brothers to study. There was also a list of how they should act in their guests' presence to not offend them in any way. Deep in her thoughts, three rhythmic knocks came from her door. She knew there was only one person who does that, she closed her eyes and smiled.
"Come in grandpa" she moved from the balcony to the center of the room
"Are you ready, my dear?" He entered with one hand covering his eyes
"Grandpa, I wouldn't have told you to come in if I wasn't ready"
"I know, but I wanted to give you some time to do any final touches. I learned that from your grandmother"
"Trust me, mommy just left to go get ready" he removed his hand and saw how beautiful and regal she looked.
"You look like a true princess, tonight everyone will know the name Princess Elise" she always knew her grandfather was theatrical and always made her laugh. This was the exact opposite of the stories she has heard and the books are written about him. She saw the man before her continuing to compliment her with a smile on his face and light in his eyes and wondered when the day comes if she can be gentle and kind in some situations and ruthless and unforgiving in others.
"Well, I think we've kept them waiting long enough. Shall we?" He extended his right hand for her to take
"You're escorting me, what about grandma?"
"She is waiting for us with the twins, we decided to do things a little differently this time. After all, we are the guests of honour," Elise took his hand and they headed towards the grand hall.
They had arrived just in time to meet her grandmother and brothers at the top of the stairs. The hall was in contrast to the romantic and dimly lit grounds, there was not a single dark corner. She heard a different tone of voice, different languages, everything and everyone she saw was a glimpse into what the world is made up of.
She was snapped out of her thoughts and guided down the stairs to the table that her family was seated. She sat between her mother and Luka, she noticed that Ariah was present at the table. She suddenly felt her mother holding her hand underneath the table squeezing it gently, her mother looked beautiful wearing her new necklace. Elise saw that they were wearing the same colour, emerald green, the only difference was Elie had long-sleeved which went all the way down to her wrists.
"You look beautiful, my darling," her father said after he allowed the moment pass between her and her mother. He then got everyone's attention and the roar of voices turned into silence.
"Tonight, we have many things to be thankful for. I think everyone can agree when I say that Elensia is at its best it has ever been. This is because of our strong alliances stretching from the east, Desnatines, our longest alliance which dates back to my great, great grandfather. Our newest alliance in the north, Elimitos, welcomes Elensia and we hope for a prosperous future together. To the west, we have Skylans and Sackians and in the south the Yagorites which we also hope to form alliances in the future. I want these alliances to not only be about trade, protection, land and titles but also family. With that being said, do enjoy tonight as my strong and growing family welcomes you to Elensia.
Elise witnessed a once silent room transformed into an uproar of cheers, she wondered how could anyone go against Elensia when they did not steal or trespass on other nations. She wished that the enemy was not among them, she would rather have an enemy in plain sight than a friend in disguise.
Everyone was eating, drinking and chatting, all contributed to the light and friendly atmosphere. Elise watched as her aunts and uncles interacted with each nation, her brothers were occupied with their grandparents.
"Elise...Elise," Rena had finally gotten her attention while enjoying her dessert. She did not notice her parents had moved to the front of the table to greet the head of the Yagorites and his son.
"This is the leader of the Yagorites, Chief Yura and his son Kaizer. This is our daughter, Elise."
"Princess Elise, it is a pleasure to meet who I assume is the future Queen of Elensia," Yura and his son bowed before her.
"All of our children are still enjoying their childhood", Elijah said laughing at Yura's comment.
"Ah yes, of course, but still as parents we need to groom them at a young age so that when they are old enough all they have learnt would be put into practice."
"Children also need balance with their training and recreational activities," Rena responded never breaking eye contact while speaking to Yura.
"Why doesn't Elise show Kaizer the grounds," Yura nodded towards his son, Elise led the way with him following
"Looks like there could be a possible Yagorite-Sirrah union after all," Yura remarked with a smirk on his face.
"This is where we practice archery, would you like to try?" Elise handed him an arrow and bow, using the opportunity to test his skill. He took them from her, she turned to pick one for herself and heard the bow being pulled back, she turned around and saw Kaizer pointing the arrow at her.
He then swiftly pointed towards the target which landed on the bullseye.
"Did I scare you, princess?" He said revealing a sense of cockiness. She walked over and gently pushed him aside, her arrow landed right next to his.
"In some cultures, you would get beheaded for attempting to kill a monarch and the answer is no, you did not scare me"
"Based on your archery performance you can handle yourself, besides no one would know you are a princess without a crown,"
"Not every princess needs a crown" Elise never really wore her crown which she knew was quite beautiful, she figured at her coronation on her sixteenth birthday that would change
"Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to meet your mother," she saw that he hesitated on releasing the arrow towards the target.
"She's dying" the wall that he built up had a weak spot, then his face quickly changed from sad to neutral