_The late afternoon sun hangs high in the sky painting the land in a golden hue a sight that would be beautiful if not for the siutaion. The land in a once called home now filled with chaos and distrucion as wars for territory and the power tjat flows through the land and my kind rage the magical wards that surround the kingdom keeping us protected even as they weaken until they were too weak to keep enimeies out leaving us with two options fight and risk the lives of my people or try and negotiate peace , in the end the lives of my people won,_

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_“Princess Elira,” a deep voice calls out form infront of me drawing me from my thoughts I turn my head to see one of my most trusted guards Zane sitting across from me in the carriage his gaze fixed on me he looks at me a long moment his features neutral “when we arrive stay by my side we don’t know what they are planning ansd we can’t give them any ideas” he states _

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_Right because meeting with the enemy isn’t already a bad idea I nod to him and turn my attention back put the carriage window watching the scenery change as the carriage takes us further into the unknown ._

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_After what feels like days we arrive at the castle the carriage coming to a stop infront of the gates Zane climbs out first before helping me out I meet his gaze for a moment before we both climb the large steps to the castle until we reach the top of the staircase the large wooden door opening to reveal the throne room. Silence greets me as we enter aside from the sound of our footsteps on the polished marble floor beneath us stopping in front of the throne we both bow respectfully before straighting ourselves. _

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_“Welcome to my kingdom “ king Rowan says _

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_“Its a pleasure to meet you” I say giving him a polite smile _

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_Zane says his greetings and once plesentries are out of the way it’s time to negotiate for peace and safety of my people _

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_“What brings you here?” King Rowan questions _

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_“We’ve c-“ _

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_The king cuts me off before I can finish my statement on why we came here _

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_“This is a conversation for adults ” he says coldly_

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_“I-“ he cuts me off again _

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_“The men are speaking this does not concern a Princess now be on your way ans let us speak ” he says glaring at me _

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_I turn my head slightly to look at Zane he gives me a small nod permission for me to leave the room I nod in return befofe turning my gaxe back to the king giving him a bow before walking out the room knowing that arguing will do me no good in this situation. I walk through the corridors of the castle trying to find a place to wait while they talk and after a while I come across a courtyard surrounded by greenery,after scanning the area for a moment to make sure I’m alone I walk past the threshold. I walk along the cobblestone path marveling at the beauty of the flowers that grow on both sides of the walkway some I’m seeing for the first time. I lean down letting the floar scents fill my nose _

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_“Like what you see?” A deep voice calls out _

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_I quickly straighten scanning the area to find the source of rhe voice until they land on a figure across the courtyard leaning against one of rhe large pillars with his arms crossed _

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_I stare at him a moment scanning his features to try and reminder if I’ve seen him before or if he’s a new face _

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_“How’d you get in here ?” He questions _

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_After a few moments of silence he straightens up and stalks over to me stopping once hes a few feet in front of me his gaze rakes over me before meeting mine _

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_“Aha you must be the princess whose come to negotiate with my father” _

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_His father ? So this must be the infamous prince kyren Ive heard so much _

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_“It’s a pleasure to meet you I’m Princess __Elira “ _

_I give him a polite smile _

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_He states down at me blankly and as the minutes start to tick by I feel the need to find an excuse to leave _

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_“Well it was nice meeting you but if you’d excuse me I should head back” turning I start towards the entrance of the courtyard but before I can get a few steps in his hand shoots out grabbing my wrist and pulling me back towards him _

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_“Not so fast Princess” _

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_*I glance up at him as he leans down his raven colored hair falling across his forehead from the movement I scan his face trying to figure out what he wants before meeting his gaxe his emerald eyes boring into mine like he can see into my very soul* _

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_“I really must get back” I say as I try to pry my wrist from his hand but he just tightnes his hold _

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_“Tell me princess why did you travel so far” _

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_“To ensure the safety and peace of my people” I say giving my wrist a pull_

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_He lets out a laugh as if he finds my answer funny _

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_“Then you’ve travel a long way for nothing” _

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_Anger rises inside me I can stand not being included in the negotiation because I’m a girl but I can’t stand the lives of my people being seen as a joke giving my wrist a sharp yank I manage to get it free from his hold _

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_“You think this is funny? I wouldn’t have had to come all this way if your father wasn’t so greedy to take land that isn’t his” _

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_He stops laughing and looks down at me silently before raising an eyebrow at me a smirk forming on his face _

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_“Ooh you’re a fiery little thorn aren’t you” _

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_I roll my eyes and soon around to head towards the entrance ready to put this interaction behind me but he grabs my wrist agian his grip tighter as me pulls me back towards him once again _

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_“I didn’t say you could leave”_

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_“I want aware I needed permission now let me go” _

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_He leans down so he’s now level with me his breath ghosts across my face I glance up to meet his gaze and something in the air shifts _

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_“You’re in my palace Princess you don’t make the rules here” ___

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_A strange sensation builds in my chest one ive never felt before his eyes narrowing as if sensing the change his grip tightening slightly _

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_“Princess?” Zane calls out _

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_I yank my hand out of his grip just as Zane rounds the corner _

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_“Aha I see you’ve met the prince” he says wlaking to me _

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_“I have” _

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_“Good I’m glad but we must go now it’s getting late” _

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_I give the prince one last glance trying to read thr new expression on his face then turn towards Zane and follow him as he leads me trying to shake off this strange felling that won’t go away _

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_“Until next time Princess and trust me there will be a next time” the prince says quietly _

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