1.6 The Death Bell Tolls

"Princess Setia?" A voice interrupted her reverie.

She turned slowly to see the prince standing in the large doorways. He leaned casually against the door frame, his auburn locks hung down over his eye. His usual smirk graced his lips. He looked ravishing in his molded doublet and finery. His piercing eyes perused her form.

"Yes, Prince Niall?" She tilted her head to the side. She felt flushed and light-headed. The ambrosia was going to her head, but it filled her with a rush of confidence. She leaned back against the railing and crossed her arms. The prince pushed himself off of the doorway and slowly strode toward her. He came to pause beside her, leaning against the railing.

"Enjoying the ball?" He asked, as if he knew the answer. She ran her fingers through her long tresses.

"It was kind of the Queen to host this in my honour, but social events have never been my specialty." She blushed and said honestly. "I find all the people rather draining." The prince nodded and looked thoughtful.

"I agree. I have a talent for diplomacy, but sometimes all the watchful eyes are exhausting." He gazed into her eyes. "For what its worth, your stress doesn't show."

"Thank you?" She asked, smiling. He shook his head, flushing.

"What I'm trying to say, is you look beautiful tonight?" The words dripped from his honeyed lips. He had moved closer to her, their arms brushing on the railing. Setia blushed a pretty pink.

"You look quite fetching yourself, your highness." Her voice came out breathy, the ambrosia buzzed in her mind. He stared at her lips, his head slowly moved forward…

"Niall!" a shrill voice called from the doorway. Niall broke away, pushing himself off of the railing. He sighed and a dark look crossed his gaze.

"Duty calls." He mumbled. And turned with an enormous smile on his face.

"Lina! I'm over here." His voice sounded defeated.

Lina came running through the doors and looked between the two of us. A venomous look filled her features, but when the prince glanced her way, she smiled.

"I've been looking for you everywhere! The Queen wants to introduce you to the ambassadors from the Winter lands." She placed her hand on his arm, her long nails, claws that dug into him. He nodded and turned back to Setia.

"Enjoy the evening, Princess." He winked quickly and let himself be led away by Lina. She threw a poisonous glare over her shoulder as they walked away. A triumphant smirk on her lips.

Setia shook her head to clear it and took in a deep breath. Woah. She had definitely just had a moment of connection with the prince. It sizzled. She can't get over the feeling that she has met him somewhere before. At least she definitely felt that he was curious about her now, but it seemed entirely physical. She turned back to gaze out at the distance.

"Your highness!" A voice called from behind her. She turned to see a young girl standing behind her, dressed in the serving staff uniforms.

"Yes, dear?" Setia said with a smile.

"The king will enter any moment. You may wish to move inside, my lady." She said and curtsied deep. She inclined my head to her, and she ran off. Setia pushed herself from the railing and turned toward the ballroom. As she made her way through the crowd, she could feel the eyes of the subjects on her. She could hear the whispers in hushed tones.

Not all the Elves wanted the Dark and Light kingdoms to unite. Many of them would see her as unfit to match with Prince Niall, and unfit to be future queen. Setia clenched her fists at her side and plastered the polite smile on her face. She channeled her inner princess.

Please, gods, whoever orchestrated this. Let me act the part. She sighed and moved to the front of the crowd, toward the raised dais where the throne rested. The Queen sat atop her throne, staring out at the crowd. Prince Niall stood behind her throne, his hand on her shoulder. Iosef, Darien, and Livia also stood to the side of the dais. She heard a thundering boom as the Herald's staff contacted the marble floors. It echoed throughout the hall; the hall fell silent.

"His Majesty, King Rhiannon Olander, ruler of Andruil, guardian of the light Elves and the realm." His voice shouted. The double doors that led into the ballroom burst open, and a large Elven man strode through the doorway in a flurry of silks and robes. He wore golden robes and had a large golden crown atop his head. His eyes were a bright green, and his hair was a dark brown. He appeared to be no older than his thirties. An entourage of servants behind him lifted the hems of his robes. He strode to his throne and swept his hands out to address the crowd.

"Be at ease, all. And Welcome to our royal guest, Princess Setia, and her men from the Dark Kingdom. I look forward to our talks of peace. Thank everyone for coming this evening to celebrate with us, enjoy the food and festivities!" He smiled and sat on his throne. He gestured for the musicians to play again, and the sound of chatter once again rose.

The king gestured to me, and she made her way toward the throne. Stopping a few feet away, she dropped into a low curtsy.

"Well met, your majesty." She said in a low tone. He nodded and gestured for her to rise. She did and clasped her hands in front of her.

"I trust your journey went well." He said. "I hope Prince Niall has been showing you around the palace, and that the two of you have been getting to know each other." He gestured to the Prince with a smile. Niall inclined his head.

"We have spoken a few times, father." Niall answered.

"Your family has all been excellent hosts, your majesty." She assured him.

"We will have a council in the coming week, your highness, and I would be delighted if you would join us." He offered. Setia was surprised, a princess being included in political meetings, especially as an enemy. She inclined her head.

"I would be honoured." She smiled. "General Liandris has offered for me to take part in training, as well. It will be nice to handle a sword again." She mused. The king laughed.

"I have heard rumors of your prowess in battle, Setia." His eye sparkled. "Perhaps you can teach the men something. You have leave of my grounds as you please. Enjoy the festivities tonight. I do so hope you and the Prince will dance again." He said expectantly. Setia sighed and curtsied in agreement. She had been hoping to sneak away soon, finding the party exhausting, but she supposed she should listen to the king's request, and gather information.

A flurry of commotion from the hall caught her attention, and that of those in the ballroom. The doors banged open, and a servant ran through the doors, clutching her throat. Her bodice was covered in blood. She dropped to her knees in the middle of the ballroom floor, tears streaming down her face.

"He's dead!" She cried. She pulled at her hair hysterically. "Councilor Erik is dead!" She sobbed.