Chapter 311: 311:The palace
The palace had changed little since his last visit. Tall pillars of living silverwood stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, their branches naturally weaving together into graceful arches.
Crystal lanterns suspended between them glowed softly despite the daylight pouring through the enormous windows.
Everything felt familiar. The polished white floors, the scent of flowering mana lilies drifting through the corridors, and the gentle melodies produced by enchanted wind chimes hanging beneath the balconies.
He had walked these halls countless times as a child. For a fleeting moment, memories resurfaced; running through these corridors with Solaris despite countless reprimands. Receiving sword lessons from veteran knights in the western courtyard.
Following his father into council meetings, far too young to understand anything being discussed.
Lilith glanced sideways.
"You’ve become quiet."
He smiled.
"I was remembering."
"Good memories?"
He nodded.
"Most of them."
She noticed how naturally he navigated each turn without waiting for guidance.
"You still remember the palace," she jokingly said.
He rolled his eyes.
"I’d probably find my way around blindfolded."
"I don’t doubt it."
Large doors opened before them. The royal audience hall was already prepared despite tomorrow’s engagement ceremony still being a day away.
The High King’s throne stood upon the raised platform beneath the banner of the World Tree roots, while members of the royal court occupied their usual positions along either side of the chamber.
The atmosphere was formal, yet didn’t carry the tension that was expected. As Lilith and Atheline entered, every noble present rose to their feet.
The chamber steward announced their arrival.
"Their Majesties, the Sovereigns of the Dark Elven Kingdom."
The announcement echoed through the hall. Lilith walked forward with calm confidence and Atheline also matched her pace without hesitation. Reaching the appropriate distance before the throne, both stopped.
The High King rose from his seat. Rather than remaining upon the dais, he descended the steps himself, it was a gesture reserved only for equals.
"Welcome once again." His deep voice carried warmth rather than ceremony. "The High Elven Kingdom welcomes the rulers of the Dark Elven Kingdom."
Lilith bowed her head respectfully.
"We thank Your Majesty for your hospitality."
The High King smiled.
"Our kingdoms have become closer than ever. It would be improper to welcome allies with anything less."
His gaze shifted toward Atheline. For several moments he simply observed him, then he chuckled.
"You stand differently now."
Atheline blinked.
"I do?"
"You carry responsibility. It changes a person’s posture."
A few quiet laughs spread among the ministers. He smiled sheepishly.
"I hope that’s a compliment."
"It is."
The high King rested a hand briefly upon his shoulder.
"Who knew we would meet again this early..."
Atheline laughed softly.
"The universe, I suppose."
"Now..." the High King nodded with visible approval. "...welcome home again."
The formal greetings concluded quickly, unlike many rulers, the High King had never enjoyed unnecessary ceremony. He gestured toward the seating arranged nearby.
"Come. I believe conversation is more pleasant while seated."
Servants immediately poured fresh tea into finely crafted crystal cups. Lilith accepted hers gracefully.
"I trust your journey was comfortable."
"It was," she answered.
"The teleportation circles continue to function flawlessly."
"They have served our kingdoms well."
The High King nodded thoughtfully.
"I’ve received reports that the roads between our territories have reopened now that winter has ended."
"They have."
"The final mountain pass cleared three days ago."
"Excellent." He looked toward one of his ministers. "Trade should return to normal far sooner than expected."
The minister bowed.
"Preparations are already underway, Your Majesty."
The discussion naturally shifted toward diplomacy. Nothing particularly sensitive, merely the matters expected between neighboring allies.
They spoke on merchant caravans, harvest forecasts, the reopening of shared trade routes, and joint patrols around the forest bordering both kingdoms.
Lilith spoke with her usual composed confidence. Atheline contributed naturally whenever appropriate. The High King watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction. There had once been concern that the young man would struggle beneath the burden of ruling. That concern had long since disappeared, he had found his place.
Eventually, the conversation turned toward the current state of the continent.
"The reports regarding corrupted beasts continue reaching us," the High King said. "Our patrols have also noticed an increase."
Lilith nodded.
"So have ours."
"No unusual mutations?"
"None. Only increased numbers."
Atheline hesitated before speaking. "We’re still investigating the Blood Ocean."
The High King’s expression became slightly more serious.
"What are your opinions on it?"
"Still stable, the situation has yet to spiral as predicted. The corruption exists..." He continued carefully. "...but remains within acceptable limits."
The High King slowly nodded.
"That aligns with what our scouts continue reporting."
"That is reassuring."
For a few moments, silence settled over the gathering. Each ruler understood that the calm they currently enjoyed might not last forever. Yet there was little benefit in dwelling upon uncertainty while no concrete answers existed.
The High King eventually set his teacup aside.
"Enough politics."
A faint smile appeared.
"There will be plenty of that after tomorrow."
He looked toward Lilith.
"I imagine today’s schedule has already exhausted you."
"It has been rather full."
"Then allow yourselves some rest."
He turned toward the chief attendant.
"The royal guest residence has been prepared. Everything requested by our honored guests has already been arranged."
The attendant bowed deeply.
"As commanded."
The High King rose.
"I hope you will both consider this palace your home during your stay."
Lilith stood as well.
"You honor us."
He smiled warmly.
"You honor us by accepting the invitation." His gaze returned to Atheline one final time. "I imagine there are two people growing increasingly impatient."
He smiled knowingly.
"My parents."
"Indeed."
"They’ve asked three separate times whether you’d already arrived."
Lilith covered the faintest smile behind her teacup. The High King continued with quiet amusement.
"I informed them diplomatic protocol required me to receive you first."
"And?"
"They informed me family outranked protocol."
That earned genuine laughter from several ministers. Atheline rubbed the back of his neck.
"That sounds like Mother."
"It does."
The High King chuckled.
"I’ve delayed them long enough."
He waved a hand dismissively.
"Go, they’re likely waiting already."
Atheline bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Lilith inclined her head.
"We shall see you again this evening."
"I look forward to it."
Together, the two monarchs left the audience hall. As the great doors closed behind them, the formal atmosphere melted away slightly.
Atheline released a slow breath.
"I’d almost forgotten how different audiences here feel especially when I’m with you."
Lilith glanced at him.
"Nervous?"
He shook his head.
"No." He smiled softly. "Just... nostalgic."
She slipped her hand into his as they walked down the familiar corridor.
"Then let’s not keep your family waiting."
