I Love Her

"WHAT!?"

I guess the King really was unaware of what was happening in the dungeons. To think his own guards would keep secrets from him.

From what I've gathered so far about why the Elves hate humans, it was because humans lied to and betrayed the Elves. Isn't this the same thing that they're doing to each other?

The King regained his composure after taking a few seconds to process everything I had informed him of. His face was red with anger, and his eyes were practically bulging out of his head. Maybe I should have told him after he gave me the map. Then I would be able to leave straight away. Now, it seems like I may be stuck here for a bit.

"I'll have her executed!"

He shouted out his decision within his private chambers.

He plans to execute his own daughter? I know she did bad things, but that's his daughter! Surely one would go easier on their own children.

"King, she's your daughter! You can't kill her!"

"I have to!"

A pained expression sat on his face, one with grief, sorrow, and anger. I thought he wasn't fond of his daughter. In fact, I thought he hated her, so why does he seem upset? And what does he mean he has to execute her? As if to answer the question I had thought to myself, he continued.

"A law was passed a long time ago a few years after the humans had betrayed us. When all of the races had agreed to split apart, we all agreed to also help each other. The humans were tasked with helping us deal with our rat problem. Instead of helping, however, they added to the problem to receive gold from one of the other races. Their greed was too much, and instead of exterminating the rats, they mutated them with a long lost magic, turning them into Raging Rats.

"Ever since then, Raging Rats reproduce on an unbelievable scale while also killing everyone. Humans betrayed us, forcing us to abandon our way of life and take refuge within these cramped walls to keep safe from those monsters. Us Elves were incredibly bitter about what happened, and a law was passed that said that anyone who participated in a true betrayal would be executed.

"As much as I want to waver it this once, it is upheld by the council of justice. If they feel I am abusing my powers, they can and will impeach me, replacing me with a more suitable figure. Of course, they could easily become corrupt themselves, but there are safeguards in place for that.

"Because of all this, however, I am forcesd to have my daughter put to trial, where she will most likely be executed with your account and the evidence of those wrongfully put in the dungeons."

That is a lot of information to take in at once, but I think I have an understanding of things. If I were to save her, I would have to risk my relationship with the Elves. I can't do that, even if it's to help the King.

"I see. Well, what happens next? You said that they will require my account in the trial, right? I don't have time for that though. What should we do?"

"You should go, of course! Here, take this map."

He grabbed the map that he had set aside when we first discussed the ancient curse. He unfolded it and laid it out on the table for me to see.

It seems that the site of the ancient curse is at the top of a mountain to the far east of the continent. Of course I would need to travel across the continent to get th-

Wait, isn't that right next to us? Well, not right next to us, but only about a week or so of travel by just walking. That is surprising close.

It seems the King was surprised to see how close the site was as well, as his eyes widened when he saw where the ancient curse was marked to be. I guess he never looked at the map until now.

What was that? It's coming from just outside the private chambers doors.

"Well then, I should get moving. There is no telling how much time I have left before the curse is activated."

"Wait! Before you go, you should take some Elves with you."

"We want to go!"

As if to answer my question of who was listening in for the last few seconds, two girls entered the room. Sylvia and Elizabeth!?

"Elizabeth! What are you doing here?"

"I hadn't seen Estelle for a while, so I was worried and came here to ask you about it. That was when I overheard you two mentioning her leaving. I want to go with her!"

Aww, that's so sweet!

"Well I can't let you go! There is no telling how dangerous it will be!"

As much as I want to bring her with me, he's right. It could be incredibly dangerous.

"That's fine. I know that you have the maids and butlers trained for combat, so Sylvia can help protect me! Not only that, but Estelle is incredibly powerful! She could easily protect us with plenty of strength to spare. Besides, I've been training with my guards to learn to fight as well."

All of what she said was true. I always knew if someone was lying or not.

"She's telling the truth."

I spoke up as well. If the King knows that she's being honest, maybe he will let her come with me, and to be honest, I secretly do want her to come. I've been trying to deny it, but I think I l-li... No, I love her. My heart beats fast around her, my eyes always search for her, and when I see her, I can't seem to look away. My ears won't stop listening for her breaths. My nose won't stop searching for her scent. My fingers wish to graze her skin ever so desperately. My tongue wishes to taste her body, which is sudden considering how we've known each other for only a short time, but I can't resist my wants.

I tried to deny it to myself, but it's useless at this point. I love her.

Well, I wonder what the King will say. Hopefully be says yes.

"No."