Leela
I held my breath as I saw the royal party arriving through the palace gates. It was my turn to stand at the steps with Queen Tasmina and the royal family of Zamee. Eli wasn't present, since he wasn't permitted to see my face. There had been a dull weight on my chest since I had been separated from him, but I forced myself to focus on the carriages drawing closer.
They pulled up in front of us and a manservant opened the door to let my father out.
"I present to you, his royal majesty, King Armand of Varun."
The royal family of Zamee bowed respectfully, and I with them. As I rose, Queen Tasmina nudged me in the back.
"Go child. It is your family and you are bound by no formalities here."
I needed no more encouragement. I rushed down the stairs as my mother stepped from the c
