Arthur and Emilia hurried through the corridors. Everywhere they looked, there were red-clad guards patrolling and servants screaming for their lives.
"Over here!" Emilia led Arthur through the corridors, following the path that led to the King's office. She remembered this place. It was the first room she had entered when she arrived at the castle. "We need to reach the other side of the palace, near the entrance garden."
As they walked through the halls, an old memory flashed through her mind. A wave of anxiety hit her, recalling what it was like to escape from somewhere.
"Today, you no longer bear the burden of being a Londrian," said the former king, Edward's father. He, like his son, had strands of gold in his white hair, but his eyes were as green as jade. "You are much more than a servant; you are part of our kingdom now. Whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask Katia."
"Your Majesty, I want to go home," Emilia said, her head bowed.
"Emilia, I'm afraid that won't be possible," the king replied. "You were sold by your own kingdom to us, and you've seen too much of our lands."
"I won't betray you," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes.
"Forgive me, young one, but that won't be possible," he said at last. That same day, Emilia attempted to escape, only to be given the magical bracelet that prevented her from leaving the castle grounds.
Back to the present, Emilia blinked twice when she heard a loud scream coming from one of the rooms.
"There! There she is, the girl you're looking for!" the servant pointed at them, and Emilia immediately recognized her as the head cook. Her face darkened, and both she and the elf ran as fast as they could.
"I think we lost them," Arthur said, letting out a long sigh of relief. Emilia gestured for him to stay quiet, but it was already too late.
"Emilia, watch out!" Arthur yelled as a soldier with an axe charged at the girl, but she managed to dodge the attack. "Go ahead! I'll hold them off and catch up with you!"
Emilia nodded and moved forward, now more cautious. It was curious how she had never had time to admire the palace's paintings and corridors. She was always in the library, studying as much as she could, and sharing valuable information with local merchants and other noble friends of the kingdom. Now, it certainly wasn't the best time to admire the portraits on the walls, but she smiled as she passed a tall painting in a golden frame, depicting a beautiful woman with red eyes and black hair, her tall husband with long blonde hair, and a child in her arms.
She weaved through three more corridors, which felt like endless mazes. Most were filled with guards searching, but as she neared the King's office, she saw no sign of the red-clad soldiers. She cautiously approached the large wooden door but stopped when she heard a noise coming from inside.
"You are my fiancé, and this was decided long before we even existed," a sweet but nervous voice said. "So why did you break the deal? It was an agreement."
"I have other plans in mind, much bigger plans than an arranged marriage," a deep voice replied. It was Edward. "I just need you to stop the attack and ally with me. You know the Dracondians are stronger than the elves."
The office fell silent. The elf spoke again, her voice trembling with irritation.
"Is it the human? Is that it?" Python asked, pacing as she spoke. "The entire kingdom is talking about how the king of Dracondia has fallen for a slave. So, it's true then?"
Emilia continued listening closely, her heart pounding in her chest and her face flushed. Why were they having that kind of conversation? And why had her name come up so suddenly? Could Python's words be true?
"Emilia is not a slave. My father made her a noble when she arrived," Edward replied, his voice filled with intensity and authority. "And, as queen, you should know that she is just another piece on the chessboard."
Two years ago, it was Christmas. Emilia used to share her meal with Pipoca in the stable. Edward had been on an expedition for months, and he was the only one in the palace she could talk to for hours without having to pretend to be someone she wasn't. But that Christmas, he came into the stable quickly and embraced her as soon as he saw her.
"Emilia!" Edward exclaimed, lifting the girl into the air.
The two dined together right there. Away from the nobles, away from everyone else. But Edward didn't see her as the friend she imagined. She was just another piece on his chessboard. Tears streamed down the girl's face as she turned to leave.
"Emilia?" Edward asked, still on the other side of the door. The human heard a low chuckle from the elf. When the door opened, she felt firm, warm hands on her shoulder.
"Your Majesty, Arthur at your service. We have matters to discuss."
Arthur
An attack grazed my shoulder. It hadn't done much damage, but it burned fiercely during the battle. Finishing off three soldiers was easy; convincing the king of my plan to ally with the Otonto Empire would be the real challenge.
I moved swiftly through the corridors, passing through doors, walking briskly. This was where Emilia had lived all those years. He sighed with relief. After such a long search, he had finally found her. He smirked slightly. She was no longer the scruffy-haired, awkward girl with freckles he had met. She had grown into a woman, the most beautiful he had ever seen.
He turned the corner just in time to see tears streaming down her face. The door in front of her was half-open, and he heard heavy footsteps on the floor. He approached the human and placed a hand on her shoulder. He couldn't lose sight of her again; his chest tightened at the thought of the night he lost her. Emilia wiped away her tears and looked up, and the elf admired her green eyes reflecting his image.
"Your Majesty, Arthur at your service. We have matters to discuss."