Promised To The King

Witches Will Be Witches

ELANOR'S POV:

    "Elanor, brighten up. They will be fine." Harlow laughed and nudged me. "Now come on. Let's go. I am sure Queen Aradia would be expecting us any time. She always knows we are coming before we do." She laughed as she grabbed her duffle bag. 

    I fake a smile. "Yea she does. How do you know they will be alright though?" I laugh as she points to her head nonchalantly. "Oh right. Foresight." I laugh sarcastically. 

    She nudges me harder. "It has been too long since I have had the joy of your company old friend. 17 years now I suppose."

    I roll my eyes. "You act like you were never going to see me again." 

    She smiles as I gather my bag. "To be fair, I didn't think I would. Aradia and Adrien both said I was not to interfere with Eudaimonia until it was time. Despite the danger that you or Cora may have been in." 

    I smile grimly. "I suppose you are right. If I am being honest, it was never easy. But it seems if this all works out that nightmare will be behind us." 

    She looks away avoiding my eye contact. "Yes, I suppose. Whether we live or die, the nightmare is over." She said darkly. "Let's go. We need to speak to her before Silas and Blakely begin their journey home. When they return we should be able to construct a battle plan." 

    I nod agreeing with her. We join hands and force our magic into the air causing us to teleport to Akasha. Teleportation was my favorite form of travel. Why travel a full 48 hours when you could get there in 2 minutes? 

    I looked up at the huge castle that stood before us as we materialized. "Welcome home," Harlow smirked. It had been years since I so much as took a step onto my home soil. 

    My heart began to race in my chest. I felt as though Cora's death was on my hands. My heart sank at her memory. What would Aradia say? Had I failed? Or was this an unavoidable tragedy? Without a word I took a deep breath and walked into the castle. The servants moved out of our way without question, most stopping to stare. We walked into the throne room without interruption. Aradia and Cerian immediately stopped talking as we approached. 

    Immediately Harlow and I knelt respectfully and bowed our heads. 

    Aradia's angelic laugh echoed in the throne room. "Nonsense children. Rise. There is no sense for friends to bow. I have missed you." 

    My heart leaped with worry, maybe she didn't know. "My queen, it is so good to see you after all these years," I said pausing taking in the scene. I never truly thought I would be standing here again. I didn't think I would be here, alive and well. 

    She seemed to sense my relief and my worry. "Tell me, child, what is on your mind?" 

    I look down to the ground looking for the right words to say. "I feel like I failed you. She died, after everything we sacrificed to keep her alive. I feel like our efforts were wasted." 

    She laughs a little and looked down sadly. "Yes, Cora's death was a sad loss. But I told you before you went in that there was a possibility of casualties. It just so happened that Cora was one of them. That doesn't mean you failed. The goal was to lengthen her life, even if it wasn't long. 

It was bound to happen. He was just itching for a reason to get rid of her. We will not let that sacrifice be in vain I assure you." 

    I looked up at her. "I just wish it didn't have to happen that way. I grew close to her in my time by her side." 

    "I am sure you did. I am confident she valued your friendship and loyalty." She smiled watching me. 

    I nod silently. Harlow laughs and nudges me a bit. "Actually Aradia, we came here on important business for King Silas. But, I am sure you are already aware of what we will be asking of you and our native land. And I believe I know the answer, I just would like to hear it." 

    "Ah yes. I am aware of the reason for this homecoming. So, Silas believes that Everett will finally start the war he has so longed for? Tell me, is it confirmed that Everett will be recruiting rogue witches in his cause?" She questioned watching us curiously. 

    "Well, I assume you already know of Theodora's expected betrayal. That is the only witch we know of, however, given that she is working with him, it is safe to say she will recruit on the witch's side of things. It is also safe to say that should he win against Silas, he will not hesitate to come here." Harlow said stepping forward. 

    "I suppose you are correct. Is it safe to assume that Silas sent the two of you on his behalf because he is elsewhere? That and given the fact that you have to go through Everett's territory to get to me." She said as she stood. 

    "You are correct in your assumption. Silas is speaking with King Leo as we speak for the same reason we are here with you." I spoke watching her every move. 

    "Ah, I see. So Silas is doing well to cover his bases. The wolves would want nothing more than to rip Everett's throat out. However, some may want to do the same to his bride to be. So whether Leo gets involved or not is a different question." She said contemplating. "I think it would be in the best interests of my people if we neutralize the threat before it can truly begin. So I will be more than happy to offer my aide. I will send my troops as well as myself in a few short days." She said with certainty. 

    I looked up at her a little baffled. "Yourself? It is far too dangerous for you on the front lines my queen." 

    For the first time since I arrived, I saw Cerian move. He stood quickly and walked to her. "My love, she is right." He said touching her face slightly. 

    She smiled warmly. "I will never ask my troops to defend me, nor would I ask them to do things that I would not. So if need be, I will ask them to JOIN me in battle. Not battle for me. As their queen, I can at least give them that. Who am I to ask that they die for me if I would not do the same for them." 

    He nodded. "Then I shall come with you. We must show a united front." 

    She shook her head and pressed his hand to her cheek. "No, my love. If anything should happen to me, our people will need their king to guide them through. I need you here." She said kissing the palm of his hand. 

    I could have sworn I saw tears gleaming in his eyes. He nodded silently and kissed her head before returning to his seat. If it was in my willpower, I would make sure she returned home. I silently vowed to myself. 

    Harlow smiled and looked at me. "We should get going. Silas should be back soon." 

    I nodded. "Very well. I will see you soon my queen." 

    She smiled. "Before you go Elanor. I meant to ask sooner, forgive me. How is your daughter?"