"Father." Prince Lucas greeted his father in his office, sweating as he did so.
"You are back from your visit to the Gustova Estate, Lucas." The King nodded at his son's greeting. "How was Elaine?"
"Well..." The Prince glanced back at the girl covered by his stature.
"Your Majesty." King Kelvion flinched when he heard a familiar and unexpected voice in his office. He immediately snapped his head up as Elaine stepped out of the Prince's shadows. "I apologise for my abrupt visit."
The King could not comprehend what his son and Elaine were thinking, but he could only worry when the latter appeared in the Royal Palace out of the blue. "Did something happen?"
"I brought the Lady here due to her circumstances." Prince Lucas reported. He told His Majesty the whole story while Elaine sat on the sofa, served with a cup of warm tea.
"I see..." King Kelivon nodded. "Would you like to talk to me about it?"
"Your Majesty must be busy." Elaine gave him a small smile while shaking her head. "It is enough that Prince Lucas allowed me to stay here."
"My work for today is finished." His Majesty insisted, then instructed Lucas to leave them alone.
Lady Elaine could not be more grateful to the King than she already had. There was no reason, but Elaine knew that she could put her complete trust in His Majesty.
"Does Your Majesty think I am cruel or pampered?"
"No." King Kelvion shook his head. "Your family is at fault. You did the right thing, Elaine."
Elaine couldn't help but smile, seeing that the King was on her side.
The King of Athelis and the young Lady of the Gustova Dukedom spent most of the night in each other's company, both confiding in each other with their worries.
----
Elaine's escape to the Royal Palace with Prince Lucas caused an uproar in the Gustova Household, which, in turn, also brought an upheaval in High Society.
"Must we allow her to leave the house?" Duchess Gustova stressed. The Duke held his wife in his arms, trying his best to comfort her. "She does not know the harsh reality of High Society as of now. They are all spewing nonsense about Elaine."
At first, High Society thought that Lady Gustova must have some kindness to relieve Prince Lucas from their engagement. But, now that she suddenly returned to the Royal Palace with her ex-fiance, they thought that perhaps Lady Gustova was still a viper playing with the Prince's heart.
"We should have considered things from Elaine's perspective, Mother." Gerard interrupted. "It is Gustova tradition to allow the freedom to choose, yet we robbed her of it."
"I admit, we were in the wrong," Stephanie said. "But, as a mother, I cannot allow my baby girl to be hurt."
"Elaine is a year away from being an adult, Mother." Gerard frowned. "She is no longer a child."
"Gerard," Noah warned.
"You know this as well, Brother. Elaine is one of the most mature in this house, memories or not. Yes, she has a childish side, but we have witnessed how decisive she was just yesterday." Gerard stood from his seat, leaving his unfinished food. "While you all continue justifying your actions, I will seek forgiveness from our little sister."
"Gerard Eugene Gustova!" The Duke's voice boomed through the dining room. His second son was always blunt, but this time, he had gone too far.
"Forgive my rudeness, Father and Mother." Gerard gave them a full ninety-degree bow. He glanced at Noah for a brief moment before excusing himself from his home silently.
While Gerard rode on horseback to the Royal Palace as fast as possible, Elaine walked around the palace with His Majesty. To entertain his guest during her stay, King Kelvion decided to show her his dear pet.
Elaine's eyes widened at the magnificent being a few steps away from her as she entered an isolated area. It was standing on a pole obediently, its dark, charismatic eyes staring curiously at Elaine. Lady Elaine could not take her eyes off the beast's beauty. The bird's scarlet feathers covering the body were gradient, and its golden tail was as long as a peacock's.
"His name is Magnar." King Kelvion approached his swan-sized pet slowly. "The bird's species is still not confirmed, and there exist none like it. However, this fellow's kind always served our family." The King stroked Magnar's head.
"May I get closer, Your Majesty?"
"Be careful." The King gave her his consent. "He is unwelcoming to strangers."
Unlike His Majesty's words, however, Elaine had no problem familiarising herself with the creature. It was also His Majesty's first time hearing his pet cooing at another's touch--even the King never earned such a reaction from Magnar.
Elaine smiled as Magnar leaned against her palm willingly, his eyes blazing with intensity. She unexpectedly felt a connection with the royal pet.
"This is a sight to see." King Kelvion said in amusement. "It took me years to tame him. Magnar does not even allow my children to touch him."
Suddenly, the King's aide rushed into the remote section of the palace, whispering a few words into the King's ears.
"Elaine." King Kelvion placed his hand on her shoulder gently. "It seems Gerard is here to see you."
"I see..." Elaine continued stroking the bird's head. She still needed more time away from her family.
"Meet him." His Majesty told her. "Okay?"
"Does Your Majesty think I should?"
"Yes." King Kelvion nodded. "You cannot run away from your problems forever."
"I know." Elaine turned to meet the King's eyes, smiling. "I think this stunt I pulled should have taught my family a lesson."
"Your father will visit me soon, asking me for help to convince you to return home." His Majesty predicted. "When he does, I will give him a scolding."
"And while His Majesty enlightens my father, I think Brother Noah will be the one to enlighten Mother."
"It seems so." His Majesty smiled at Elaine. "Well, do not keep your brother waiting."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
Lady Elaine left with the King's aide to meet her brother. Once Gerard heard faint footsteps approaching the door, he immediately stood up from his seat, anxious.
"Brother." Elaine knocked on the door. "I am coming in." When she entered the drawing-room, she closed the door with her eyes set on Gerard.
It was only one night, but she could see how haggard Gerard was. His eye bags were visible, and he did not adequately fix his clothes after rushing to the Royal Palace.
"Forgive me." Gerard walked to Elaine, his eyes apologetic. "I did not say anything to our parents' decision because, at the back of my mind, I thought they were right to do so. But, I realised that you were not a child any longer after thinking for the whole night."
"Thank you, brother." Elaine took his hands in hers. "But, you should not distress yourself like this just because of my small tantrum. You look very tired."
"...How can I not?" Gerard sighed. The feelings he experienced due to his sister's disappearance were indescribable.
"But, I am thankful Brother Gerard came to meet me first, asking for an apology. You abandoned your pride for me."
"I do it only for you." The elder sibling pulled her into a hug. "I promise not to hurt you ever again."
"Disagreements between family are inevitable, brother." Elaine squeezed him back. It was to tell him that she might be indirectly hurt by her family's actions again. "I went to such lengths to ensure this incident will not happen anew."
"It worked," Gerard said. "You can be sure that Father and Mother will not make the same mistake twice. But, do not ever run away again."
Elaine nodded, pulling away from Gerard. "I promise."
They had reconciled.
"...Do you want to go to the Academy?" Gerard asked, scratching the back of his head. It was a 'reconciliation gift' he thought would be suited for his apology.
"Can I?" Elaine's eyes sparkled at his suggestion.
"Of course, sister." Gerard patted Elaine's head with a chuckle. "Then, I will inform Brother Noah of our trip to the Academy."
"Rhya," Gerard called. Elaine's hair swayed slightly, causing her to raise her eyebrow. The windows were closed, yet there was wind in the room.
'Contractor.' A translucent bird appeared out of thin air. 'You called?'
"Go to Brother Noah and inform him that Elaine and I will be leaving for the Academy," Gerard instructed.
'...' The bird blinked in disbelief. 'You called me to send a message?'
"Yes."
'I am one of the mightiest wind spirits, yet you called to send me out on an errand?' The bird questioned in annoyance.
"You are the most efficient method of sending a message," Gerard stated. "I should utilise you more."
'Whatever you say.' Rhya sighed at its contractor's stubbornness. Then, it finally took notice of Elaine. 'So, she is your little sister?'
Elaine was not horrified that an almost transparent bird was speaking. Instead, she was interested in it. "I am Elaine Louise Gustova. It is an honour to meet Brother Gerard's spirit."
'We never had a chance to meet like this.' Rhya nodded. 'You are lovelier than what they say.'
"Just go and do your task, Rhya." Gerard tried to make his spirit leave.
'Hush.' Rhya noticed a unique aura emitting from its contractor's sister, flying closer towards Elaine. The spirit squinted its eyes at Elaine, confirming its suspicions. 'I see.'
"What do you mean?" Gerard raised his eyebrows, utterly confused at Rhya's remarks. "What did you see?"
'That is none of your concern.' Rhya answered coldly. 'I will deliver your words to your brother.'
However, before Rhya vanished again, it bowed respectfully towards Elaine. 'Until we meet again, child.'
Elaine's eyes responded to Rhya's goodbye, glowing a pale gold.
"...What peculiar beings, spirits," Elaine smiled.
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