It had been only a few days since her father had commanded her to leave the Grand Palace, and take refuge in the Kingdom of Lethoria, the kingdom of her betrothed. With the dangers of the war looming overhead, Torwynn the Prince of Lethoria had come to collect her in the dark of night, to smuggle her to his kingdom.
They've now been riding for several days. She kept her eyes focused warily on the Lethorian Prince. She scoffed to herself in disdain as it was obvious the young Prince was proud to be leading her entourage. This was the first time they had met, and he seemed to be pleased with what he would be getting. Had it been under better circumstances, she probably would have entertained the idea of him. But right now, the thought of him lying with her, turned her stomach. She didn't even know him, yet they would be wed in private within the week, and then they would have to 'consumate' the whole thing... And she could do nothing but scowl at the poor young man. His smile never faltered though.
She was Amora, Amora DeLuna Lighthammer, the Grand Princess of the Kingdom, Atheria. And she was a High Elf. Many in the kingdom called the High Elves, Golden elves since they seemed to be kissed by the sun, and they held themselves to be superior.
Amora was an impressive beauty in her own right. She stood at 6ft 7in. Which was half a foot above the average height for a female elf, with a long slender body that still managed to be curvaceous… Her skin boasted a deep bronze color, and her pointed ears were adorned with Golden Royal cuffs. Which also would give away her status as a princess if she weren't wearing her crown. The crown itself was Gold, with Emeralds entwined in the faux vines that shaped it.
At the moment she wore a pastel green dress robe with gold weaved in highly detailed patterns throughout it. A white and gold bodice hugged her tightly under her garments pressing her waist in and her breasts upward. Something her mother had picked out, no doubt, to try to satisfy the Lethorian Prince's wondering eyes.
Amora had brilliant Golden hair, which was kept braided, in intricate elven styles; some of which wrapped around her head. When not braided and put up, the silky locs would drape down to the back of her knees. Her heart shaped face held Beautiful and large Almond shaped eyes with devastatingly long lashes, also hosting the keen eyes of the High Elves. They were the rich Amber color of Fire and Autumn leaves. Typically, humans found High Elven Eyes unsettling and mesmerizing at the same time. Her soft peach-colored lips were shaped in a plump cupids bow, and a squared petite nose completed her delicate face.
Lewan, her brother, the Grand Prince, was the opposite of her. He was Large and Brawny, standing at over 7ft 3in. His presence commanded authority. And it was he who would soon take over the Atherian Crown to become King. While she was being married off to the most eligible Royal Suitor…who her father picked. And that just so happened to be Torwynn, the Prince of Lethoria. It seems the plans were placed on hold for her brother until the war settled. While Her's were pushed forward.
Her Father was King Nolick, King of Atheria, and High King of the 9 Kingdoms; Was recently forced into war with the three Dark Kingdoms. They were attempting to make claim for the status of High King, since Lewan was expected to be ascending to the Atherian throne soon. He was finally to become the King of Atheria after nearly a Millennia of waiting. Of the nine kingdoms, The Dark Kingdoms saw this as a temporary weakness, and a rare chance to take the High Crown, and the powers that came with it. Even if the Dark Kingdoms weren't attacking us, Lewan would still not inherit the title, He would have to fight for it. The status of High King could only ever be earned or taken, never given. And so now, her father is attempting to insure his line of succession, all while trying to keep the High Crown till the last moment of his reign.
The reason the title of "High" King is so important is that it would ensure a sense of Finality. Meaning that One Kingdom… One King had the ability to have the final say in any conflict, and in any war. The power of the High Crown would grant its wearer the ability to enforce his rulings. The mere threat of being on the receiving end of The Crown's power was enough to make even the most resistant King bow and obey.
In Ancient times, the Power was either bestowed upon the Wisest King, at the table of The Nine, who had proven himself to the other Kingdoms. Or taken in by a bloodbath, the latter being most uncommon. To this day, the 9 Kingdoms upheld that tradition, usually aiming for Selection rather than War.
Lately though, the Dark Kingdoms, attempting a takeover of the High King title, has driven her father, Nolick, to a state of near madness. There had been whispers of other kingdoms doubting his abilities now. He was nearly three thousand years old and has been sitting as High king for the last Half Millennia. However, to look at him and speak with him, he would have you believe that you spoke with a youthful king. Fresh off the breast. The Elven magic in their blood made aging almost a non-factor in their lives. They lived for what would feel like eternity, many welcoming death when she finally knocked on their door. This meant it was not very often a King would vacate a throne, let alone a High King. So, when it did happen it was not uncommon for kingdoms to make power moves at those times. And this time it was practically guaranteed.
The last time one of the Dark Kingdoms hosted a High King, he allowed wars to ravage the earth with no end in sight. The Dark High King would make no attempt to settle the issue between kingdoms, mercilessly adding fuel to the fire. Plagues and famine filled the land, and he did nothing but feast and celebrate, Dark Magic went unchecked, and the Land suffered greatly. In the end Humans suffered the most, being caught in between the constant wars, their numbers had dwindled to near extinction, It lasted nearly 300 years before the Golden and Forest Kingdoms united and stood up against him, supporting one another, one by one weakening the dark King until he was finally defeated, by Amora's grandfather and King Nolick's father, King Ardemore.
It was unspeakable to think of a Dark Kingdom hosting a High King again. Yet now three of the Dark Kingdoms were challenging King Nolick for the title. And Nolick eager to defend his father's legacy, Answered the challenges dutifully and mercilessly, refusing to surrender the crown, and the start of many bloodbaths has since ensued over the last 4 months.
A Royal challenge for the title, by ritual, requires the King to defend it himself. The other Golden Kingdoms, and even the Forest Kingdoms would not be allowed to step in to help. The High King had to defend his own claim. The only relief was that the Challenges must be made one by one. The three Dark Kingdoms could not attack the Atherian Legions at once. At this moment two out of the 3 kingdoms had failed… But the next kingdom, Nyberius, had unsettled her father…Something about them, had him fearful for their safety. And so, he sent her away.
The royal entourage didn't stop to rest during the night, and now the sun was beginning to come up. Removing herself from her thoughts, Amora glanced over to find her two handmaids were fast asleep on their horses, their heads bobbed and danced with their animals' steps. She shook her head, and smiled, High elves should know better than to be seen vulnerable. Then again, these two were not of Royal blood, she knew they would not realize the error not having had Royal Training.
Most High elves can go several days without sleep, and this happened to be the fifth and final day of a 5-day trip. They had camped two days ago, and so now this made day three that she had been awake. She could feel the fatigue though, she shook her head to push the sleep away. And composed herself with the proper poise of a princess…She must not falter. And looked ahead at the pathway.
Suddenly, the horses came to a halt. Torwynn and his Captain were ahead conversing amongst themselves…their brows furrowed, worry riddled their faces. Her handmaids were still fast asleep. Amora edged her horse forward to where Torwynn sat.
"What is the problem, Torwynn?" she inquired…curious about the change in behavior.
The young Prince glanced at her quickly, his eyes refocusing on the Woodline, Amora looked into the woods, following his line of sight, The eyes of the High Elves letting her see a great distance.
"Ahh…" she gasped, her heart quickening in her chest…."Dark Elves."
"Yes Princess" Torwynn whispered… "We must pick up the pace…someone had to have told them about us moving you, and known we were heading to Lethoria" The prince looked at her, a focused scowl on his face, "If they reach us, they will probably kill me, and take you, highness..." The prince was no longer looking like the young, and happy betrothed High Elf from earlier…His whole demeanor had changed. He looked ready for battle…his face had hardened.
This was the first time she had really looked at him…before all she saw was a boyish prince, claiming a new toy. Now she saw the leader he was bred and trained up to be. His Blonde locks tied at the nape of his neck, his long face, and straight nose, his lips curling downward into a harsh frown. And his Autumn eyes, like hers, which marked him as a high elf, looking as if they were set ablaze. He boasted broad shoulders and a massive chest, a testament to the battle training the prince had received... He was beautiful as all elven-kind are... Inwardly, she somewhat guiltily hoped he survived the task he was given, now that they are under pursuit. If they survive this she decided, He might actually suffice for a Royal Husband.
"We have to push forward…NOW" he exclaimed…startling the two handmaids awake. Torwynn grabbed the reins out of her hands and set their horses into a full gallop. The royal entourage followed closely behind. Amora kept looking behind, to see where the Dark Elves where…And each time she looked they were only a few miles behind them…and steadily gaining, closer and closer. Deep down…Amora knew this was not going to end well…