The Dormant: The Elemental Witches (Book Two)

Chapter 6: The Golden City Part A

~Poppy~

Knocking at the library door, I slowly entered. My face went into a white pasty complexion as I looked at the eyes of the woman in front of me. Queen Aine was sitting as always behind her desk. Her blue eyes had acquired a dark stormy tone directed at me as I took my first few steps inside.

Behind her, Brigit was shaking her head and squeezing her eyes. In front of them, Thalion sat on a wooden root chair. His elbows were placed on his knees as he looked at the wallpaper behind them, deep in thought.

¨Did you call?¨ I asked even though I already knew what was the reason my presence was required. Aine flexed her fingers, and I could feel some of her bones sounding loud as she cracked her knuckles. Brigit beside her was now slowly shaking and shivering. The Queen took a few breaths, not even speaking, she directed her hand palm up for me to sit beside the creature that had now obviously ratted me out.

¨Prince Thalion.¨ I bowed to my side at the long-legged looking elven royal. He turned towards me. Then he turned his body again towards Queen Aine, not acknowledging my arrival. ¨Well, if that is all. I should take leave, My Queen.¨ She put her hand up. ¨You, prince Thalion, will not do such a thing. I have summoned Poppy here for both of you to listen to me. I have enough with you two and the matter of your betrothal.¨ She mumbled almost to her side, making Brigit nod continuously as the acrid words fell from her lips. ¨ Thalion, you decided to take a female you didn't even know, knowing that there was a chance she already, maybe not here perhaps in the realm she grew up, had someone else. We already had that conversation. Nevertheless, you thought you could win her heart nonetheless.¨ A small smirk began creeping on my lips as she was badgering him. Hell, if I was going to get scolded, he should too.

She banged her hand on the desk, looking at me, bringing me back from my head to the moment. ¨You are no better. You made a promise, Poppy Laicolasse, and I gave you a way out before you made it. Did you take it?¨ I shook my head, bringing it down. ¨Is it true what Thalion is saying? Did you promise yourself to another.?¨ I shook my head, my tongue feeling heavy on my mouth. To be honest, I had no idea. ¨There would be no breaking of the betrotlement.¨She boomed, making Thalion jump and open his mouth. ¨If I can´t make you two behave, then I am not doing my job right, so you two are going to get your...¨

Aine turned to me, pointing lazily. ¨How does the human kind say it? Is it s**t?¨ I nodded quickly, my mouth falling at her words. It was the first time she had used such a word in front of me. In fact, it was the first time I'd seen her acting any other way that wasn´t sweet and nurturing. ¨You will travel to Laureminasse and try to make this work at least for a fortnight.¨

I raised my hand. ¨How much is a fortnight?¨ Thalion, who was looking straight, just mumbled. ¨Fifteen days.¨ Brigit and Aine´s both pairs of eyes were lit on fire, making me shrug into my seat. Aine acted as if I hadn't spoken and continued with her bashing ¨When I come to see you and you.¨ She pointed with two fingers separating them to make her point that this was between us two. ¨If you still want to break it off, then we will see to it, but in the meantime, you, for the good of the kingdom, would work on it.¨

I opened my mouth again, ready to make my case. ¨Understood!¨ Her voice boomed, shutting me up immediately. ¨Now you two can go pack. I believe you are leaving in the evening.¨

Thalion stood up, and I did the same. We both bowed to the Queen and mumbled. ¨Your highness.¨ I strode fast to the door, wanting to get away from her presence. Thalion did the same; we both got to the door at the same time. He opened the door and put his palm up so as to say," You go first.¨ I nodded once and stepped outside. He did the same, quickly closing the door behind him.

As we stood in a daze outside the library, Thalion turned to me. Before he could speak, I was turning five shades of red because of how angry I felt. ¨Thalion Laurenande, you will shut up and listen. I may not have told you everything.¨Raising my hand as he was about to object, I continued. ¨You threw me under a bus there. Fine you don't want to marry me... Perfect! I don't want to marry you, but at least for the sake of... of …, .¨ I forgot the name of my city as I was ranting, making him say it to me.

¨Laureminasse?¨ I put my index finger up and gave it a shake. ¨Right, Laureminasse, I at least expected you to work with me. ¨ I turned around feeling flustered. I turned around again, making my point really through. ¨I don't want to marry you either!¨ His lip curled up into a small smirk. ¨Fine...¨ He shrugged his shoulders. ¨Fine!¨ I said at least two tones higher. ¨Fine...¨ He said again. I let out a shriek, raised both my hands, and began walking to the other side away from him. ¨Theres no exit that way.¨ I heard his voice behind me. I looked up, and the corridor ended.

Closing my eyes hard, I turned around quickly, walking the other side, passing in front of him again. ¨Fine!¨ I said pointedly at him. ¨Heard you the last time.¨ I squeezed my eyes, stopping. ¨You are a horrible creature.¨ I huffed, leaving him behind.

-----------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------

My hand was clutching my carry-on bag hard, beside me the pixie who was going to become my lady's maid fluttered around me. I was standing in front of the same door Aine had shown me the first time I got there, the one with leaves and branches in golden and silver. Aine was beside the door holding a key. The door was wide open as elven people came inside, bringing numerous items into the castle. I could see crowns of the whitest silver ever and cloaks. Finally, one entered carrying a mirror as Thalion spoke to Anne. ¨Gifts for my Queen from Laureminasses steward.¨Aine took a look at a veil that was covered in all kinds of precious stones. ¨You shall tell Degorion that he may have a private conference with me when I come to visit and that his gifts have been truly welcomed.¨

Thalion nodded as Aine turned to me. ¨Are you ready, Princess?¨ I gave her a small nervous smile. In my head, I could feel her warmth and her voice easing me up. ¨You are different, and that's why they need you. Now go my child, and make your world a better place.¨ I took a deep breath as I placed a foot near the door, the light that came from it glowing on my cheek. Turning my head towards Aines and Brigit, they both gave me a reassuring smile. ¨You will always be Porkchop.¨ I said to the nymph, making her scowl, but she kept her mouth shut. I blinked tears away as Thalion walked beside me, making me turn my head straight, my heart beating as if I was running a marathon.

I took the first step when I felt a hand covering mine. Before I could say anything. The light began to grow, engulfing me. I looked at my hand, and then up it was Thalion. He was firmly holding it as I felt the air pulling out of my lungs. It could be seconds or hours, but everything began to swirl around me, making me dizzy. I was in a state if I didn't know if I should cry, scream or laugh.

Then the light receded, and I found myself bent over holding my chest, the hand loosened up, leaving an empty space. ¨The first times traveling through realms are the worst.¨ A voice mumbled beside me as it began walking past where I was heavily heaving. My hands were placed securely on my knees as I watched and gagged forward. Taking a long breath, finally, I managed to get into a straight position and looked at the place I was.

Luscious trees grew everywhere, covered in what seemed like gold dust, reflecting a shimmering surface in every one of their leaves. To one side, a clear stream lazily traveled the area. What looked odd about it was that every few meters, it changed colors. It went from deep pink to the most beautiful blue to the most intoxicating green. What seemed like dolphins peeked at the surface every so often. I looked at the ground, and Alfirin flowers grew everywhere, each of them turning a different color, its five petals swaying with the wind.

I looked up at the clear blue sky, with not one single cloud in it. The air was warm and inviting, and as I took a deep breath, I could smell the distinctive smells of flowers and creatures unknown to me. My eyes were now closed, taking my surroundings in, when the same voice came near me. ¨Are you done? Or should we wait for your royal highness to see the place at night?¨ I opened my eyes, and standing beside me was Thalion with a smirk on his lips, a smirk that I wanted to smack the living hell out of. I just rolled my eyes.

Scratching my head, I began walking, not even giving him an answer. ¨Today, you seemed to find yourself going the wrong way quite often, Princess.¨ His voice came from behind, making me turn. ¨Well, I don't know where I am, and if you are not going to help, then it's best if I find my own damn way.¨ He clicked his tongue at me. Taking slow steps. ¨This is the Laurentian or the Valley of Gold.¨. He got where I was, bending slightly to my size, his face inches from mine. ¨There's a carriage behind us waiting. You just have to turn your head to the left.¨ I turned my head to the side, and my eyes went big as a silvery carriage sat waiting. It was being pulled by two brown horses, wings sprouted from their sides, and they neighed and hooked their hoof to the ground as another Elven waited for us to get moving.

I was in shock, but no way in hell, I would let him see that, so I planted my heels on the ground and looked to the other side. ¨I prefer another carriage if I have to travel with you.¨ There was a huff, and without notice, a hand grabbed me by my waist, hurling me up. I fought, banging my fist on his back. ¨You can’t treat me like this! What are you doing!¨ ¨You don't know the creatures that creep in these forests at night, and I won't be blamed for the demise of my royal counterpart.¨ I was placed securely on the inside of the carriage, and then he climbed in. I put both my arms tightly against my chest and glared, fire coming out of my eyes.

He gave me a sweet saccharine smile and then tapped the top of the carriage twice. Making it move.

I was left in front of him. I was so angry. This was supposed to be my first experience here, and Thalion was making it an insufferable one. ¨You shall consider that perhaps we shouldn't fight.¨ His eyes twinkled. Rolling my eyes, I turned my head and looked out the window, ignoring the elven prince in front of me. Any sight was better than him, no matter how one strand of chestnut-colored hair fell into his face framing those features, making my fingers itch to brush it away, or how his arms bulged as he crossed them on his chest, or his deep violet eyes or those beautiful lips that slightly curved in a perpetual smirk. No, I refused to think of anything of those things, so I ignored him, looking at the scenery. Soon after a while, my eyes began to doze off, and the gentle motions of the carriage made me fall asleep.

I was woken up with a bang and a screech. I screamed and got up, not realizing where I was hitting my head with the silver embroidery on the top of the carriage. ¨Ouch!¨ My hand went to my head and stroked it as my eyes closed in a grimace. I looked to my left, and night had fallen, the sky lighting up with a million twinkling lights circling what seemed like two moons. One was full, and the other one was half. My neck went a little farther to see the ground we were traveling on, and I let out a shriek. ¨Theres no ground.¨ I said baffled, to no one in particular. ¨So you saw the two Pegasus and thought we would be traveling on the ground?¨ ¨Excuse me?¨ I put a hand on my chest. ¨Are you calling me stupid?¨

This was the first time a creature of any kind had the nerve to do so. My cheeks flushed as my head started to tilt to the side, trying to read the violet eyes that were squarely looking at me. ¨You imply it, Princess, not me.¨ He laughed, my mouth opened with his nerves. ¨You...¨ I jabbed my finger on his chest. ¨Haven't earned and would never earn the right to call me anything but princess.¨

¨You chose a vampire over me.¨ His eyebrow shot up as his lips turned up in a bitter smile. ¨I …I….¨ I was saved before I could answer. The carriage made a drastic turn, causing me to tumble, falling on top of his lap. ¨Or is it maybe, Princess, you have no idea what you want.¨ I quickly slipped back to my side, watching as the same lock of his brown hair fell on top of his eyes. He brushed it to the side. His lips now opening slightly, his eyes twinkling. ¨What I want or not want is not of your concern.¨ I snubbed my nose up, trying to ignore the bubbling feeling rising in me. His strong hand came to my side, encasing in me the seat. ¨I hate to differ, but as we are still betrothed, I think your wants are still my concern.¨ My head shot back at him, my eyes squeezing. ¨We are here...¨ He quickly said letting me go before I become a raging bull inside the carriage.

We stopped suddenly. Thalion opened the carriage. The night air felt cooler, making me clutch my cloak harder against my body. He stepped out, and then his hand went inside the carriage. I was prepared to swat at it, but he took a tight grip on it, yanking me forward as I was about to do it.

I landed on the ground dangerously on my feet as a woman, at least Danielle's size, came almost sprinting at us. Her chestnut brown hair was pinned in a half do. She had a silver dress with embroidery in lavender. ¨Thalion melda minor.” (My beloved brother) I stared at her waiting for an introduction from him, but she came almost jumping as she saw me. ¨Princess Poppy, oh, you are more lovely than what everybody has said.¨ I looked at her with wariness. ¨Wait, this beast hasn't told you who I am?¨

I shook my head, and she turned towards Thalion, swatting his arm with the back of her hand, emphasizing each word with a hit. ¨You have one sister, only one, and you didn't even mention me to your future companion. When I am gone, you are going to wish you treated me better.¨ Her hand swatted more at him, making him flinch with a small smile on his face. ¨ Princess Poppy, this crazy female elven with no manners, is my sister Aradhel.¨ She gave him an undignified look. ¨And she is not going anywhere. She just likes the drama.¨ He finished making her raise her index and squeeze her eyes at him. ¨Point my words, you … you...¨

Aradhel was pointing at him, then, as she remembered, I was near decided the best course of action was to ignore him. ¨I don't know how you can stand him, he is the worst.¨ I laughed. ¨I think you and I will get along just fine, we already have the same views.¨ She smiled, turning for a last time shaking her head at Thalion

Finally, I looked at where we landed. It was on the side of a mountain, in a castle. The pavement was made with what appeared to be silver, and the castle wove itself, almost disappearing into the scenery. Flowers grew everywhere, and all outside, there were small external areas to lounge around.

We walked a little until we found ourselves in front of a few Elven people waiting. Now Thalion stepped forward. ¨Princess Poppy, this is Laureminasse steward Degorion and his daughter Elbereth.¨ They both bow at me. ¨ I wish your road to our Golden citadel was pleasant. Nodding, I looked at the woman who shot her eyes towards Thalion. ¨Sure it was pretty enjoyable.¨ Elbereth turned to me, giving me what I think was a fake smile. ¨We shall let you two refresh yourself in your apartments, and then we will have supper. I will send you a maid to fetch you.¨ Thalion gave her a look., shrugging, Aradhel escorted me to my room.

Aradhel kept talking a mile per hour as we made our way inside the palace. Every crook looked more enchanted than the last one, and my mind was in a new overdrive trying to make sense of everything. She finally opened a door and I took a step to the middle. ¨Ohh you and I, we are going to be the best of friends. ¨ I nodded at what she said as I took the room around me. A round silver bed dangled from the middle of the room with what looked like golden vines.

To one side, the place opened to one of the lounging spots I had seen outside. An ottoman that looked like it was made from marble was placed there. Inside a fireplace that went to the ceiling, its fire crackled and popped, giving the air a smell of chestnuts, and there were about four different doors.

¨This whole wing is yours. I will send the maids to fetch you a warm bath. I leave you to get ready.¨ I nodded as the elven girl gave me a tight hug and, with the same giddiness, stepped outside.

After exploring my wardrobe, bathroom, and another few rooms in my wing, I took a bath and dressed in what looked to be the fashion around it was a dress in blue and gold that had flowers all around the sleeves. I didn't think they were quite ready for my jeans and rumpers. I looked around the room. It had to be more than an hour, and they hadn't fetched me. My stomach rumbled. ¨Fuck it...¨ I mumbled to myself, standing up. I didn't need to be escorted anywhere; I would find the dining room myself. I opened the door and began walking around the castle, soon getting lost in the maze of rooms and areas.

Peeking inside a room, it was a cozy small library. It had shelves with books everywhere. On one side, a small fireplace kept the area toasty and in the middle, almost, taking the whole room a big and bulky looking elmwood desk with sways and turns as if it was carved from a single block of wood. I entered fully, curiosity taking over me as I went to see the books. Then I heard voices from the other side of the door. It was Thalion and a female. ¨Shit ... s**t…¨I mumbled to myself, getting down on my knees and crawling, going beneath the table, and waited.