Shadow Winged Prince

Chapter 3 - Elyansa

“On the surface? I thought I would be sent to one of the neighboring cities.. I thought I was staying in the middle.. Everyone knows the surface is a mess.” My voice is growing with fear and cracking with concern. I am losing composure and I need to reel it in. “I respectfully request to stay in the middle, close to home.”

“Our number one concern is order and peace. We need better eyes on surface activity to ensure the longevity of this planet. Your post will be in the kingdom of New Edo as the new teacher for the royal children. There is no one I trust more, nor do I know anyone who is more worthy of this prestigious position or opportunity. Nonetheless, this is not something you can refuse my child, it is an order and the divine will of the mothers. “

With a deep exhale, “Yes, of course grandmother, I will not let you down.” I pulled these words from a hardened place within my spirit. Weakness can only be tended to alone. Before I stand, she grabs me by my shoulders.

"Child, if you use your gifts, talents and the skills that you have learned here, you could be a happy woman with the world in your hands. You were never meant to stay in the middle, your destiny is bigger than you can imagine. And to be so fearless,” She c***s her head to the side at me, “I am quite surprised you are taking this as you are. You have been eager for years to want to be of service and now you are apprehensive of change?"

“This is different. I always thought I would be sent out on a mission and come back home. I am being stationed in the worst part of the planet, to be a school teacher.” I am becoming choked up again. “Do you and the mothers think so little of me? Think of me as so incapable that you give me a position of no honor?” As soon as I speak the words my grandmother snaps.

“YOU ARE A BELOVED DAUGHTER OF THIS HOUSE!” She yells and at once, I wince my eyes closed. “You must have courage, and have some gumption and trust that no matter what it looks like at this time, it is not how it will always be. Remember who you are and remember my love and pride towards you, Elyansa.”

I smile and open my eyes, while unwillingly letting a few tears slide down, and my grandmother embraces me, which she hardly ever does. So I know at this moment she can feel my emotions and her comfort means the world to me. She thumbs away my tears and I move myself to the chair she points me to.

“You will be leaving within two days and I want to introduce you to your royal escorts, King Elias of New Edo and his son, Prince Cerulean. The timing of this mission is urgent, so it is unfortunate that we will not be able to have our customary celebration of your elevated status, but everything in due time. Until then, it is your duty to keep your new charges out of harm's way and, if the situation ever presents itself, the protection of anyone in the royal family is a priority. With that being said, we suspect suspicious activity within the royal court, royal servants and or the royal family. The king is a close friend of this house and has asked for our help. Upon divination, the mothers have deemed this concern valid and have specifically asked that you figure out what is going on. You are to keep a low profile. We don't want the enemies of the royal family to know what you are capable of.. Just yet.” As soon as she finishes her sentence she rings a bell which signals her servants to come. She gives directions for our guest to be brought in and I stand to soothe my nerves in the moonlight pouring through the window.

‘A king and a prince?’ I wiped my face again and smoothed my attire. ‘A king and a prince?’ I repeated to myself, why would such high-ranking aristocrats come and fetch me? I am in a whirlwind of thoughts when I see a man walking towards our table.

“Mr. Eli?” I said with such surprise, “You're a king?” Instantly my surface apprehensions about my mission faded away. I walked to embrace him.

“Yansa, my dear girl! How are you?” Mr. Eli has visited my grandmother from time to time over the years and has always been a jovial guest with unique presents and fascinating stories. I always thought he was a trader my grandmother was soft on. Never would I have guessed he was a King!

“Mr. Eli! Excuse me, I mean your majesty.” He stops before me, “Yansa please, promise me that when it's just you and I, that you will be as you’ve always been. Formalities and honorifics are for when we are around others, for your safety and now mine.” When I look into his eyes I see honesty and tenderness. “It would be my absolute pleasure, Mr. Eli.” I smile and we finally hug. I pulled his chair out and ushered him to sit. I carefully poured the tea the servant brought for Mr. Eli and my grandmother and they caught up on small talk. It is when a short silence hits that I remember it was supposed to be a king and a prince I was meeting.

“Mr. Eli, I thought I was meeting your son as well?” He adjusted himself in his chair, “My son is different, and he doesn't do so well with new people when he is nervous. He is very excited about meeting you but he must do so on his own time. But I have very high hopes that a friendship between him and yourself will flourish easily.”

“If he's anything like you, Mr. Eli, I am sure it will.” I smiled and before I could reclaim my seat my grandmother spoke.

“Elyansa, Eli and I have business to sort out. You are no longer needed here and I suggest you start collecting and sorting your belongings for your trip.” I nod, say my goodbyes and make my way out the lunar hall.