I arrived home at dawn, the first rays of the morning sun barely touching the horizon. The house was bustling with activities
"What's going on"I asked the first guard I saw "It's your birthday set up Lady Elara"he said bowing slightly
I needed to train,I'll be leaving in a few days and I hadn't trained like I wanted to
"You don't look like someone who trained"a voice said from behind me
A smile crept from the side of my face "How would you know that"I said as I turned
"Because I know you Elara"Cassian said "Oh and Happy birthday "
"It took you long enough Uncle"i said running to hug him
Cassian was my mothers younger brother and my trainer since I was five
I had a trainer that we paid for but Cassian took it upon himself to help me after he was there the first night my night terrors started
I told him what Elissa said and he cackled "I'm sure she was right"he said "You look like I could bend you in half,when was the last time you went for a run"he asked and I closed my eyes tightly
The one thing I hate most in this world was running,I didn't see it as a necessity for training so I never ran except if forced.
I could see the light in his eyes when he decided that was what we were going to do today.I put on a pair of running shoes and he sat on a horse and followed behind me
After my 'punishment',I decided to have dinner and go to bed.I would be going to the Academy in three days and my party was tomorrow.My parents should be back later tonight
I went round the house to look over the decorations put in place and it looked really good.
I got in the bath and stayed inside for a while.An invitation was sent to Evander but I knew he wasn't going to come.It would break his heart more than it would break mine
As I lay in bed,staring at the ceiling I wondered what life had in store for me
What life would have been if I was the one set to marry Evander
The next morning, in the early hours, the beats of drums drove me out of bed.I put on a dress and ran out just to see that the entertainment had arrived this early.I looked at the time and it wasn't nine yet
I saw Emrys run towards me and I picked him and tossed him in the air.My mother followed after him and took him from my arms
"Have you looked around"she asked me looking around "I love it...Thank you" was all I was able to say
I did love it but I would have been happier if I didn't celebrate it. "Go get dressed,the emissaries are on their way and you are to meet with them" my mother said pointing in the direction of my room
I got into the room to see everything I needed to put on already laid out on my bed and lily prepping my bath water
I could bath myself but arguing with her was like arguing with a stone wall.She wouldn't budge
So she helped me have my bath and now she was helping me dry out my hair
I was staring at myself,I wore a stunning emerald-green gown that perfectly matched the enchanting hue of my eyes. The dress featured a tasteful slit in the front, offering a glimpse of my graceful stride. I adorned myself with jewelry as dark as my midnight-black shoes, each gem sparkling like fragments of the night sky. My entire ensemble created a vision of ethereal beauty and an air of captivating mystery.
My mother gave a slight knock on the door before coming in.I turned to face her and she gave a big smile.My hair was packed to give me a sleepy look which brought everything together perfectly
"You look beautiful darling"my mother said and she walked out
Few minutes later I was welcoming all the guests and giving my best fake smile.My siblings sent word that they couldn't make it which I already knew
Dain and Lauretta were dressed beautifully but I had been so busy we didn't have much time to talk
The Bardess Maliya the Melodious sang my praises and there was a reason she was famous in all the land
I stood by the side as I watched the "High blood Houses" as they were all called-interact with one another.They were called this because they are the seven families ruling the empire and we the children stood by the side as our parents spoke
There was Selene Stormbringer,Baelor Fireheart,Thorian and Darian Iron Clad(the Twins)
These were the families whose kids could make it
They were all talking about something I didn't find remotely funny but it did to them for some reason
"Baelor..."Lord Fireheart called out to his son gesturing with his hand he comes forward "Yes father"he replied taking a step forward
"Can you see how beautiful Elara looks today"Lord Fireheart said looking at me and Baelor smiled in response
Our parents are not keen on forcing marriages but they had been hinting on I and Baelor being a couple since I could remember
Baelor was a year older than me and he bullied me most of the time.His partner in crime was no other than my elder brother.They both derived some sort of joy in seeing me cry
"Elara personally invited him to her party"my mother chimed in grinning.We both knew I didn't but he just gave a small smile
Soon after we were dismissed and I could finally act like myself.I had been scanning everywhere for him and I asked my mother if she sent out the invitation which she said she did
The party was coming to an end and I could feel the hurt in my heart.I wanted to see him one last time,just to look him in the eyes.
Lily came up to me whispering in my ears "Someone needs your attention outside"
Anyone watching could see the excitement in my eyes,he did come.I followed her to where my attention was needed and I saw Kael-Evander right hand man.Lily excused us and it was just I and Kael
"Kael where is he?"i asked looking around before staring at him.He couldn't look me in the eyes and kept staring at the ground
"He couldn't make it my Lady"Kael said "But he asked me to give you this"
His arms were stretched out and a fabric lay on his palms
I grabbed the fabric and unfurled it with a dramatic sweep, unveiling a beautifully crafted dagger. The blade, made from a mysterious, silvery metal that had been touched by the moon's light, gleamed with an otherworldly glow.
Its sharpness was so remarkable that it seemed capable of slicing through the very fabric of reality.
The hilt of the dagger was a work of art, covered in intricate markings and symbols that appeared to move and pulse, as if they possessed a life of their own.
It was beautiful,he always knew what I loved.I hated the universe for taking him out of my life
"He also wanted me to give you this note"he said pulling out a note before he bowed and left
I'm sure Kael has given you my blade,I had it perfectly done just for you Elara darling .If I was given one wish it would be to be by your side till death do us part but it seems that's not the case
You asked me once if I would die for you but we were interrupted but the truth is I won't die for you
Rather I would live for you,because living for you is far more difficult than dying for you
So Live for me Elara and I would do the same.Maybe we weren't destined to be together in this life time but I will love you till my last breath
Yours forever
Evander
I read the last word and droplet of tears touched the paper,Tears that I didn't know were falling
I stood there and cried for the love I lost