Chapter 310: 310:Arrived.
The final morning arrived quietly. The last stubborn patches of snow had disappeared from the Court overnight, replaced by fresh green grass that stretched across the palace gardens.
Flowerbeds that had remained dormant throughout the colder months now bloomed with deep violet and silver blossoms unique to the Dark Elven Kingdom, filling the morning air with a faint, refreshing fragrance.
A gentle breeze drifted through the open palace windows, spring had finally arrived.
Atheline awoke before sunrise out of habit. For a few moments, he simply remained lying in bed, listening to the quiet sounds of the palace slowly coming to life outside their chambers.
Servants were already moving through the corridors. Somewhere in the distance, a bell rang softly, marking the beginning of another day.
Today, however, was different. Today they would leave for the High Elven Kingdom.
He slowly sat up, stretching before glancing toward the balcony. The white fox was already awake. The little creature sat proudly on the stone railing, watching birds fly between the palace towers with endless fascination.
Its appearance had changed considerably since the end of winter.
Most of its thick winter coat had shed away, leaving behind a sleeker layer of snowy white fur. Although it appeared slightly smaller than before, it moved with noticeably greater agility, its bright blue eyes following every movement outside with playful curiosity.
Atheline smiled.
"You’ve grown."
The fox looked back before happily hopping onto the bed. It circled twice before settling comfortably beside him.
"You’ve also become far too comfortable."
The fox answered by resting its head against his arm. He laughed quietly.
"I suppose that’s my fault."
By the time he finished preparing himself, Lilith had already left for one final council meeting. Although they would only be absent for several days, kingdom affairs could never simply be ignored. Every instruction had to be left clearly and every responsibility delegated.
The Noble elder would oversee daily administration until their return, while urgent matters would be relayed through enchanted communication crystals if absolutely necessary.
The system they had built over the previous months had finally matured. The kingdom no longer depended upon their constant presence every single day and Lilith had slowly started loosening up.
That alone brought Atheline a quiet sense of satisfaction. Nearly an hour later, he entered the council chamber. The meeting was already nearing its conclusion.
"...The eastern patrols will continue rotating every five days," the Head Councillor reported.
"The supply caravans?"
"They departed yesterday."
"The border forts?"
"Fully provisioned."
Lilith nodded once before looking around the table.
"Does anyone have unfinished matters requiring our immediate attention?"
Silence filled the room. Several councillors exchanged brief glances before shaking their heads.
The councillor in charge of magic smiled warmly.
"Your Majesty, I believe the kingdom can survive three days without troubling you."
Soft laughter spread throughout the chamber, and even Lilith allowed herself the faintest smile.
"I sincerely hope you’re correct."
The noble elder bowed respectfully.
"You have prepared thoroughly. We shall await your return."
She inclined her head.
"Then this meeting is concluded."
Outside the council chamber, attendants were already waiting with the final travel chests. Most of the diplomatic delegation had departed earlier that morning using the kingdom’s permanent teleportation network.
Among them were royal guards, court officials, servants, gift bearers, musicians, chefs, and even the physicians assigned to accompany the delegation.
Only the two monarchs remained behind though that had been intentional. Leaving last ensured they could personally address any unexpected issue before departing. Fortunately, none had arisen.
Atheline looked toward the neatly arranged luggage.
"So we’re finally the last ones."
Lilith nodded.
"As planned."
"It feels strangely quiet."
"The palace usually does after a delegation departs."
Without dozens of attendants rushing through the halls, the enormous royal residence seemed almost peaceful. The white fox trotted happily between the travel chests before deciding one in particular suited its preferences. It immediately climbed inside.
Atheline laughed.
"I suppose you’ve chosen your seat... again."
Lilith looked at the fox.
"It has excellent consistency."
Their final stop before leaving was the palace entrance. Rows of palace staff stood waiting outside despite the early hour since they wished to see their rulers off.
Zelpher stepped forward first.
"We wish Your Majesties a safe journey."
Several attendants bowed together.
"May your travels be peaceful."
Lilith acknowledged them with a graceful nod.
"We leave the palace in your capable hands."
"It shall be cared for."
Atheline smiled warmly before stepping closer to her.
It didn’t take long to reach the familiar teleportation chamber. The air itself carried a faint hum.
Several manipulators stood ready around the edges of the chamber although they knew they wouldn’t be needed.
Upon seeing Lilith enter, they bowed deeply.
"Safe travels your Majesty."
She nodded.
"Good, now leave"
They all filed out of the chamber in a hurry, each glancing back at her before the last one finally closed the door behind him. Darkness started to gather around them.
Atheline glanced toward her.
"Still strange."
"The teleportation?"
He nodded.
"I don’t think I’ll ever get used to crossing continents in a single step."
"You don’t need to."
She reached for his hand.
"Just don’t let go."
"I wasn’t planning to."
The fox settled comfortably against his shoulder, seemingly entirely unconcerned.
Darkness swallowed them. For a brief moment, the world disappeared. There was neither sound nor sensation, only endless darkness
The feeling of solid ground returned beneath their feet, and fresh air greeted them. Atheline opened his eyes.
A familiar scent immediately reached him. A mixture of ancient forests and fresh spring blossoms with Aether far denser than almost anywhere else in the world.
He smiled before even fully looking around.
"...Home."
They stood within the royal teleportation chamber of the High Elven Palace. Waiting nearby were several royal attendants dressed in elegant silver and emerald uniforms. Upon recognizing the visitors, they bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Your Majesties. The High King has been informed of your arrival."
One attendant smiled warmly toward Atheline.
"The lord has also been eagerly awaiting your return."
He couldn’t help smiling.
"It hasn’t been that long."
"For families..." The elderly attendant replied gently, "...it always feels longer."
Lilith glanced sideways at her husband, his expression had already softened. She smiled quietly to herself.
