CHAPTER 70:Return

"I wonder what's taking her so long." Emelda rolled onto her back, eyes tracing the ornate carvings on the ceiling above her bed. The room was bathed in soft sunlight filtering through silk-draped windows, but her mind was clouded with unease. "The two of them should have sufficed... even if their prey was a vampire."

She exhaled, watching the chandelier sway gently overhead. "And with only two days until the Valor Ball…" Emelda's voice drifted into a sigh. "I'll need Mother's help picking a dress. She's always had a better eye for color and fit."

Knock. Knock.

She sat up. "Who is it?"

A calm, cultured voice answered through the door. "Your mother and Fanghyr have returned, your highness."

Emelda's eyes lit up. "Finally!" she squealed, practically leaping from her bed. She dashed past Hamilton, her startled steward, who barely had time to open the door. Her silken slippers padded lightly against the polished marble floor.

"She didn't even say hello," Hamilton muttered, shaking his head. He gently closed the door behind him.

---

Down in the grand courtyard, a row of elven guards stood in gleaming formation. They bowed as Queen Flowyria approached, their leader, a tall elf with silver streaks in his hair and a plumed helm under one arm, took a respectful knee.

"Welcome home, your highness," he said. "We congratulate you on a successful hunt."

His gaze shifted to the crouching panther beside her. "And we are honored by your presence, Fanghyr."

The midnight-blue beast gave a low purr, licking a paw with practiced indifference.

But Glandhyr, the captain of the royal guard, noticed the absence of another figure—the warrior Langhyr. His expression grew solemn. "He was a valiant warrior to the end."

Queen Flowyria's eyes followed a drifting cloud above. "He truly was," she said softly. "Which is why I will be delivering the news to his family myself."

"Glandhyr."

The captain straightened. "Your highness?"

"Ensure Fanghyr is shown to a guest chamber befitting his status. He is to be treated as an honored ally of the realm."

"At once," Glandhyr said with a nod, then turned to Fanghyr. "Please, this way."

The panther gave a quiet grunt of acknowledgment and began to pad along the stone path, tail flicking lazily behind him.

As Flowyria and her escort continued toward the outskirts where Langhyr's widow and son lived, Glandhyr guided Leo through the castle courtyard. The air was heavy with floral incense and faint magic, as sunlight bounced off the enchanted stones.

"It's truly an honor to finally meet you, Fanghyr," Glandhyr began. "Your feats are legendary, even here in Elyria."

No response.

"Your many tales of valor are outstanding," the captain continued, hopeful for some reaction.

Still nothing.

"Ah…" Glandhyr hesitated. "So—"

"I appreciate the welcome, Captain," Leo said at last, his voice calm, deep, and mildly amused. He sniffed the air, nostrils twitching, then suddenly turned toward a corridor guarded by two armored sentinels.

"What's caught his attention?" Glandhyr mumbled.

He heard soft footsteps ahead and realized instantly.

"I suppose even beasts can be tamed by beauty."

---

"What do you mean she's gone?" Emelda's voice rang across the courtyard.

The flustered guard nodded. "She left early this morning, your highness."

Emelda rubbed her temples. "That woman… She never puts family first."

She turned—and froze.

Her eyes met Leo's from across the courtyard. A smile curved her lips. "Is that who I think it is?"

Glandhyr approached and gave a graceful bow. "I present Fanghyr, your highness."

Leo mirrored the gesture, bowing low before kissing her outstretched hand. "It's an honor to see you again, Princess. I trust you've recovered from that harrowing night."

"I would've said the same about you," Emelda said with a light laugh, "but judging from your eyes, I think your recent hunt took a toll."

"Nothing I couldn't handle—with a little help," Leo replied, a shadow of sorrow passing over his features. "Though I regret to say Langhyr fell in battle."

Emelda's expression softened. "He was a good man."

She hesitated, then offered him her arm. "Are you busy? We've got a lot to talk about."

Leo smiled. "I'm free until your mother returns."

"You may return to your post, Captain," Emelda said with a slight smirk.

Glandhyr blinked. "I—of course." He bowed and stepped back, watching the two figures stroll off together.

"Someone's in love," whispered one guard.

Clang!

"OW!" he yelped as Glandhyr smacked the back of his helmet.

"She's simply intrigued by his reputation," the captain snapped, then marched toward the castle.

"Someone's jealous," the other guard teased in a singsong tone.

Glandhyr stopped mid-step.

"Uh oh…"

"What was that?" he asked coldly, back still turned.

"It was just a joke, sir!" the guard said, dropping to one knee. "I meant no offense."

Glandhyr chuckled. "You two seem to be getting soft, lounging around in this castle."

The guards blanched.

"Which is why," Glandhyr continued, turning with a grin, "I'll be sending a report to Commander Hyacinth. The two of you could use a few months at the northern barracks to regain your edge."

The left guard went pale. "Please, no! My wife and children are in the capital!"

"No worries," Glandhyr said cheerfully. "I'll arrange for them to join you."

The poor guard collapsed in defeat as tears welled in his eyes.

The other quickly straightened up and resumed his post in stoic silence.

With a satisfied smirk, Glandhyr disappeared into the castle, the heavy door closing behind him with a solid thud.