Chapter 64: The Royal Bath and the Shadow of Threat
In the heart of Iselehein within the castle of Elsihore, the royal bath was a sanctuary of serenity.
The walls, adorned with tree leaves inlaid with elvish runes, seemed to tell ancient tales of the united peoples.
Finely carved statues represented the founding races: elves, goblins, dwarves, and fairies.
A natural hot spring flowed gently, filling the room with soothing warmth and a calming murmur.
Sylena immersed in the crystalline water, hummed an ancient elvish tune.
Her cheeks, slightly flushed from the heat betrayed her sense of contentment.
"It's been so long since we've had a moment like this together, big sister" she said with a radiant smile.
Thaloria, slowly brushing her long dark white hair, returned her smile.
"Indeed you're right, Sylena since I ascended the throne we've had far less time together. Forgive me..."
Sylena puffed her cheeks slightly, pretending to pout.
"I know you have responsibilities sister, but why can't the Council of Sages manage without you?"
In the Grand Confederation of Azulferia although technically a monarchy ultimate decision making power rested with the Council of Sages, composed of the four leaders of each race. Decisions were made by vote, thus ensuring that the royal elven family held no direct sway granting all races a voice in the Confederation's governance.
Thaloria let out a soft laugh and gently stroked her sister's hair.
"You're right, but I am part of the Council of Sages. Since Father's passing,i've had to bear the crown. Lanny is still young only 70 years old and our brother Kodort has never shown the slightest interest in the throne."
She paused briefly before asking softly:
"And what about you, Sylena? Would you ever want to become queen in the future?"
Sylena spun around swiftly, splashing water as she did, and replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes:
No Big sister Thaloria, I'd rather explore the world. There's so much to discover out there!.
Thaloria couldn't help but smile.
Inwardly she thought: Not a single of them is better than the other they are not interested in the throne. Kodort's carefree nature has clearly rubbed off on her.
The Royal Dinner
Later that evening, the two sisters joined their brothers and the Council of Sages for a sumptuous dinner in a grand hall adorned with golden frescoes and illuminated by crystal chandeliers.
Sylena ever curious, tried a spoonful of honey served in a crystal cup engraved with delicate runes. With the first taste, her eyes lit up with delight.
"Wow! This honey is incredible! Poltyx, what did you do to make it taste so amazing?" she asked excitedly.
The tiny fairy, flitting joyfully above the table, grinned mischievously.
"I didn't do anything a goblin friend of mine who works at the port gave it to me.
This comes from the island Kingdom of Ednia."
Lanny, dressed in a richly embroidered red shirt, frowned thoughtfully.
"The Kingdom of Ednia... I heard they recently defeated the coalition of Katakiel and Indrania.
Their victory must have greatly angered the demon royalty Kodort were you involved in that conflict?"
Their eldest brother, Kodort 400 years old worked as a mercenary exploring the world a towering an elf with a blonde mane and a fiery red beard laughed heartily as he set down his massive tankard of ale.
"HAHAHA! No,unfortunately not but from what I've heard their victory is largely thanks to a certain hero named Jonady."
Thaloria nodded softly.
"Yes, that name has reached me as well during one of the Council meetings."
Sylena, her eyes sparkling with fascination, drifted into her thoughts.
A hero... like the stories where they save everyone and marry a princess? Just like the tales she loved so much.
Breaking the silence, she turned to Kodort with excitement:
"Big brother! The next time you go on an adventure, take me with you, please!"
Kodort placed a gentle hand on her head and laughed heartily.
"Syl, you're still too young for such journeys.
Listen in 40 years if you're still eager.I'll take you beyond Azulferia what do you think?"
She beamed and exclaimed:"Then it's a promise!"
Kodort laughed again and replied: "Yes, it's a promise."
Lanny, hoping to lighten the mood, joked:
"At this rate, I'll never see little Syl get married!"
Sylena amused, retorted confidently:
"Marriage doesn't interest me! I want adventure.But if I were to marry someone i'd want them to be like that hero Jonady!"
Lanny laughed as he changed the subject.
"In five days, your coronation will officially take place sister Thaloria."
Thaloria sighed softly and cast a glance at Kodort.
"Indeed all because a certain elf prefers to shirk his responsibilities."
Kodort chuckled, shrugging his shoulders.
"Sorry little sister you know me I'm a free spirit all this political business just isn't for me. But you know, since you've taken over from Father, you've done an excellent job."
Poltyx, still enjoying the honey, chimed in cheerfully:
"Yes, Thaloria! You'll make a remarkable sovereign."
The Coronation
Five days later, in the grand royal hall of the Elsihore castle Thaloria coronation was in full swing.
The room was resplendent, filled with dignitaries of all races elves in rune-engraved armor stood solemnly, while towering goblins armed with long spears guarded the entrances.
The statues of the founding races seemed to observe the ceremony with gravity,as if they foresaw the events to come.
The Council of Sages had gathered, ready to formally pass the royal scepter a symbol of authority to Thaloria. Everything seemed to proceed perfectly each step marked by ancestral songs and solemn rituals.
As the scepter was about to be handed to Thaloria, a low rumble interrupted the ceremony.
The ground trembled violently beneath the guests' feet, followed by a deafening explosion that shook the walls. Golden frescoes vibrated, shards of crystal fell from chandeliers, and a heavy silence enveloped the hall.
An elven guard burst into the room, his face drenched in sweat and his attire disheveled. He stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to regain his footing and shouted:
"E-Elunezor has been destroyed!!!"