[b]Isildra[/b]

The sound of silent whispers was rising throughout the hall, along with the horrific tension. Several neatly dressed men and women stood in groups, discussing for themselves. Some of the noblemen and women were standing, others sitting. The hall was indescribably beautiful. Golden and silver paintings dotted the ceiling and the floor alike, eight pillars stood on a line, from the door to a final window by the end of the room. Next to the detailed throne, a middle-aged man stood, observing the nobility, watching their nervous expressions closely.  He tapped the pommel of his sheathed sword gently. For some reason, it brought a smile to his face, even in this time. The longsword was of some of the finest metal one could find in the kingdom, carved with ancient words and markings along the blade. The hilt was of a silvery colour, with thin golden lines running around it. The pommel had a fine ruby, held in place by four small metal straps, creating a cross. The man had named the sword Goodswill, and it had been in in his care for a long time. It had been rewarded to him when he had passed the harsh challenges for the role of Protectius Royalis, an ancient Raylian title for the protector of the current reigning royalty, and their family.

The opening of the sizeable doors broke Elias’ pondering. A woman stormed inside with hasty steps, headed straight for the Protectius. Elias stepped towards the queen’s handmaiden, by the name of Lyessa. The two had stepped close, lowering their voices carefully as they spoke.

“They await the Queen. Where is she?” Elias’ hoarse voice demanded, as he looked upon the younger girl.

“Queen Isildra has received yet another letter… Elias, it’s worse than we thought.” She spoke in a saddened voice, looking below the protector’s eyes. Lyessa carefully peaked into them for a brief second.

“What do you mean worse? What’s happening?” Elias replied, grimacing at the stares the two were getting from the worried noblemen and women.

“That’s the matter that worries us. We… do not know.” She gulped, before gesturing the almost frozen Protectius along with her. Elias followed her out of the room, and the doors were shut behind them.

The two barely spoke as they walked down the halls with quick steps. When they finally made it to the Queen’s room, Lyessa opened the door and motioned for Elias to enter. The door was shut behind him, and he cleared his throat to signal his arrival. Queen Isildra was a woman of thirty-six winters, dressed in one of her many formal robes. She had her blonde hair tied up in an ever so fancy hairstyle. The woman turned around, allowing for her nervous expression to be revealed. In her hands she held a letter, one she extended towards Elias Davenport. With no words, he took the letter and immediately began to read. His eyes scanned the content, as he murmured it for himself. 

“Complete chaos. Word of the Northland’s King’s death, and rumours of a slaughter.” Isildra said with a surprisingly calm voice. She crossed her arms, looking to Elias.

“What in the name of all that is Holy, how did this happen? Last we heard the Crown prince was supposed to marry the Valentian princess! We… Pardon my language, were supposed to have our damned peace.” Elias sighed heavily, and Isildra gently gestured to a nearby chair, for him to collapse on, which he did. The Protectius rubbed his forehead, sighing once again.

“You do not need to excuse your language to me, Davenport. I am in as much distress as your, if not more.” Isildra sighed. “My husband was invited to the wedding, as a gesture of kindness by the Northerners. I do not know of his fate yet, though it is most likely he is as harmed as unharmed.” The Queen nodded, turning to the window again, folding her arms. It was clear for Elias to see the misery she was in, and he grimaced to himself.

“My Queen, I hate to bring this up now, but Raylia has a fine relationship with both the North and Valentia. This is – was the most peaceful time we’ve had for long. But both sides may ask for our help, should war break out.” Elias rose back up, straightening his back, and keeping his voice at a respectable tone.

The Queen nodded. “We have the option to declare neutrality in the conflict. But, that will only ruin our relationship with both nations.” She sighed heavily. 

“Would you be so kind and do me a favour Elias? Go look for dear Reina. She hasn’t fallen asleep, and regrettably I have to inform the council of our situation. And bring Lyessa in.” Isildra turned around, offering a king smile to Elias. He nodded in acceptance, and bowed down before he left the room.
Lyessa stood carefully by a window, looking out to the night that had fallen down. She did not need words from Elias, but entered the room after he had left.

The Protectius steadily roamed the halls, until he finally reached the princess’ room. He knocked carefully, before hearing the young girl welcoming him in. Reina was about fourteen winters by the time, and was a most curious and smart girl. She stood in her nightgown, smiling only with her lips.
Without allowing Davenport to get a word in, she burst out; “Are we going to war?”

“I am starting to wonder if you’ve dug a whole to your mother’s room.” Elias shook his head at her, grinning slightly. “You have to sleep, young lady.” He motioned towards her bed, to which reply she did not give.

“I know we will have to pick a side. But does it mean I will be married off?” She did not hold back, folding her arms.

Elias blinked at her, furrowing his brows. “Where have you gotten that idea?” 

“Lord Chansly told me when we were studying history. It’s what kingdoms do, when they want to tighten their bond.” Reina muttered lowly to herself afterwards. “And I’d like to keep my own bond tightened instead.”

“Do not worry. You will be safe and sound here, until we know what will happen. Now, off with you. You need your sleep.” The man nodded goodbye, leaving the room again.

Elias returned to the halls, where he rested his arms on a bannister, running a hand through his hair.

“Do not force our hand, Prince Valten. We do not need more war, we never did.”