Hiding

Four months had passed since the war began, and the soldiers who had fought bravely were returning home. Every other day, Jædana and Elianora would meet one or another of them, hearing tales of their adventures and bravery. Many high-ranking army commanders and officers were also returning to their posts, but there was no news of Kaidën and Uriel.

Jædana and Elianora grew increasingly worried, their concern for the princes' safety gnawing at their hearts. One day, as they stood under the same tree where they had shared many secrets, they gazed up at the sky, searching for answers.

The warm sun cast dappled shadows on the ground, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but Jædana's anxiety couldn't be soothed. "Why haven't we heard from them?" she asked, her voice trembling with anxiety. "Not a single message, not a letter. It's as if they've vanished into thin air."

Elianora took Jædana's hand, offering what comfort she could. Her eyes, a deep shade of blue, filled with empathy as she said, "We'll ask our family members about it. They might know something. Maybe Kaidën and Uriel are busy with their royal duties as princes and can't contact us."

But Jædana's fears lingered, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was terribly wrong. "What if they've decided to end our relationships and have forgotten about us?" she asked, her eyes welling up with tears.

Elianora's expression turned reassuring. "Nothing like that will happen, Jædana. We'll get to the bottom of this. We'll ask our families and find out what's going on."

Together, they made a decision: they would seek answers, no matter what it took. Little did they know that their quest for truth would lead them down a path of discovery, one that would change their lives forever.

***

Jædana took the initiative, her voice laced with a mix of concern and determination. "Mother, did you get any message about whether Uriel has returned or not?" She looked at Primrose with pleading eyes, hoping for any news about the prince.

Primrose's expression turned nervous, and she glanced around the room before responding. "I don't know! And you should address him as Prince Uriel." Her tone held a hint of warning, as if cautioning Jædana to show more respect.

Jædana shrugged her shoulders, a defiant glint in her eye. "He's not worthy of that title; I'll call him what I want." Her words hung in the air, a challenge to the traditional norms.

Maddox's food got stuck in his throat as he listened to his daughter's bold words. He worried that Jædana's defiance would not only put her in danger but also implicate their entire family. He knew that in their world, such disrespect towards royalty would not be taken lightly.

Elianora was also sitting with her family, engaged in their customary post-dinner conversation. The warm glow of the candles cast a cozy ambiance, and the scent of freshly cooked food lingered in the air. She looked at her father, Neil, and said, "Father!" Neil, absorbed in his work, murmured a response, "Hmmm!!" His eyes, though focused on his task, held a hint of warmth, a testament to the love he shared with his family.

Elianora's gaze drifted to her yellow bangles as she asked, "Has any news come about Crown Prince Kaidën?" The delicate ornaments sparkled in the candlelight, a reminder of her connection to the prince. Before her father could respond, Nehal frowned and said, "You're being impatient, Elianora. Why would you be? You're 23, and your youth is surging." Nehal's tone held a hint of teasing, but Elianora sensed a deeper concern beneath her sister's words.

Nalad, sharpening his sword, intervened, "Nehal, stay within your limits! Don't forget that your marriage has also been fixed. Such behavior doesn't suit a girl from a respectable family." Nalad's voice was firm, a reminder of the family's values and traditions.

Nehal replied softly, "I'm stuck because of this; otherwise, I would have been engaged long ago." A hint of wistfulness crept into her voice, and Elianora sensed her sister's longing for freedom and choice.

Derek, Elianora's grandfather, looked up from his chair, his eyes stern. "Nehal, no one has stopped you. It was your own wish. And Elianora!" He turned to her, his expression serious. "Yes!" Elianora replied, her heart racing with anticipation. "There is no news right now. If any news comes, we will tell you only." Derek's words were final, and the conversation came to a close.

Elianora nodded, though her mind was far from at ease. She exchanged a glance with Nehal. The silence that followed was oppressive, filled with unspoken questions and concerns. Both Elianora and Jædana tried asking their family members many times, but they avoided this matter every time, leaving the them with only their worries and fears.