If I thought that Lorien was nervous, it was nothing compared to how I felt the next morning. I was justified, after all, I was about to have my hand given away, and by the king, no less. What else was I supposed to feel? Lorien came to get me and Varen a few hours after breakfast, which in my opinion was a few hours much too long. Lorien held my hand again as his attendant showed us the way to the throne room, as we certainly would not be able to find our way by ourselves.

We were shown into yet another giant room, the only piece of furniture in this one being an extravagant gold throne. King Larus, again wearing a long red cape and heavy gold crown, sat upon the throne. I saw Chataya standing in front of the king, and he beckoned us forward. We came to stand before the king, Lorien and I in the middle, with Chataya on Lorien's left, and Varen on my right. There were other attendants and servants standing around the room, all of them watching us. A man stepped forward from his spot beside the throne.

"Whomever has come to seek an audience with King Larus the Supreme, let them now step forth," the man said importantly. Lorien gave my hand one last squeeze, then let go and took one step forward.

"King Larus, I, Lorien of Valenass, wish to ask for your permission to take the hand of Claresa of Splethantown, to wed." There was a thrill in my chest as he said those words. I couldn't believe that this was really happening. I looked anxiously at the king, waiting with baited breath for his answer. His eyes looked me up and down, and I was immediately self-conscious about my rough woolen dress and positively un-elven features. Then the king looked back at Lorien.

"We would be most happy to oblige our elven allies in every way possible. Your people were a great help in the war, and we owe you an even greater debt of gratitude. So great, in fact, that it seems we will never be able to repay it." 

At this point King Larus got up off his throne and began pacing back and forth in front of it with measured steps. His red cape swept the floor gracefully behind him. 

"The elves have always remained in their own lands, far away from mankind. But it seems that our plight has brought you forth to our aid, and for that we are eternally grateful. I have struggled to find a way to express this gratitude. I understand, Lorien of Valenass, that you are akin to a prince in your lands?"

"Yes, this is true," Lorien answered, sounding as confused as I felt. Why was the king dragging this on? It should be easy enough to grant Lorien's request. A simple 'yes' would do, I wasn't picky. What was he getting at?

"Then, might I suggest, that for an elven prince, a human princess would make a better match. I offer my only daughter, Princess Freya, the most beautiful maiden in my kingdom, to you, Prince Lorien, to wed."

My stomach plummeted to my feet. This was it. It was all over.

Princess Freya glided into the room from a side door, and I knew that I was done for. Tall, graceful, her golden yellow hair bouncing in delicate ringlets. King Larus had not been exaggerating about her beauty. I don't think I've ever seen someone so perfectly embody the meaning of the word. Besides the elves, of course.

She placed a dainty little hand in her father's outstretched one, coming to stand beside him. "She is my pride and joy, and I do not give her up lightly. It would be seen as a sign of our continued Alliance. It would also serve as the first of many attempts to repay the great debt that we owe you, and your people, for the peace that now flows through our kingdom." King Larus finished his speech, looking immensely pleased with himself. And why shouldn't he be?

It was a brilliant political move. He would secure the elves' continued military involvement, probably monetary support as well, and connect himself in such a way to the elven monarchy to ensure those things for a very long time. The same would be true for the elves. Everybody wins.

Except me. But even as my blood ran cold and my hands shook, acceptance settled in my mind. Only a fool would reject the king's generous offer, and Lorien was no fool. Besides, he would have a beautiful princess as a wife, not a poor orphaned bakery girl. Yes, he would marry her instead, and I... I would go back to Splethantown and return to how my life has always been. How it should be.

"King Larus," Lorien said, and in such a tone that it made me look up from my downcast demeanor. His face held a terrible expression, and his eyes looked daggers at the king. "I know that you do not understand our ways, our traditions and customs, or the sacredness of the Alushaliel. So, I will overlook the enormity of insult that has just escaped your lips."

The king's smile faltered and he stared in amazement, as did I, as Lorien continued. "I will have Claresa as my wife, and no other. She cannot be replaced, not by your daughter, not by any other woman in this entire world!"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Lorien still wanted me? Even though there, standing right in front of him, was the most beautiful human woman I had ever seen, who had wealth and rank and influence attached to her as well? Princess Freya's expression did not change in the slightest at Lorien's words. The king tried to sputter out a few words, but Lorien cut him off.

"I apologize if my words offend you, but you should understand that what you have just said has caused even more offense to myself and to my Aliel. Such great offense that I cannot stand in your presence for much longer. Again I ask, will you give me Claresa's hand in marriage?"

Lorien was completely livid, and I knew that I never wanted to bring his fury upon myself. The poor man that was now on the receiving end of it stood there, mouth agape, probably scrambling to think of what he could possibly say to appease Lorien.

"Yes, yes of course, I-I apologize, Prince Lorien, as you said, I did not know-" Again Lorien cut him off.

"I thank you, King Larus," and with that rather curt reply, Lorien turned to me, took my hand, and almost stormed out of the presence of the king, Chataya and Varen following.