Eira~ (Ay-ra)
This is my first attempt at writing something of this sort. Go easy on me and enjoy.
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Eira stared out her bedroom window and into the snowy courtyard. Frost edged the panes of glass, kept at bay only by the heat of the fire roaring in the hearth. There looked to be at least a few inches of snowfall and it didn't look to be letting up anytime soon. A few dozen Elves stood in the snow, bundled in their furs and boots while they waited patiently to witness history.
"Princess Eira, it's time." Eira turned to Runa who stood patiently just inside her room and sighed. She pushed away from the window and straightened her dress. It was white, strapless with silver lace lined with fur shoulder cover. The skirt of the dress flowed just past her ankles and her long chestnut brown hair was down and fanned out.
"Am I doing the right thing Runa? What would my father say if he were here?" Runa flushed but she answered quickly.
"He would be proud of you. The sacrifice you're about make, the love you have for your people. It does not go unnoticed Princess." Runa was the closest thing to family Eira had left, she found solace and comfort in her words now. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and nodded. Her people didn't stand a chance against the savages, especially after they killed her father and stole his ring. The ring was magically enchanted to fit the wearer; it displayed a silver wolf, representing the legendary Fenrir, and the center of the ring was the sun represented by a bloodstone.
It was a blood stone created by Sol herself, making it one of the more powerful bloodstones. It gave the bearer access to the power of the sun but it required the sacrifice from a descendant of Sol. Not of life, that was one Eira would have found so much easier to live with. Instead it required one of matrimony, she would have to marry Nicholas; only then would he stop the killing of her people, stop the beatings and rape of villagers. Matrimony required a magical contract, which was binding beyond just words and would give him access to her magic, making him stronger and more powerful than everyone else, including his own people. That is how Kings were decided among their people; suitors from other kingdoms would gather once a year in an attempt to court her and win her heart for the honor to be King.
Her people had fought bravely, but there had just been too many and Nicholas's men fought like wild animals, savage, almost numb to pain when they charged into battle, controlled by only their bloodlust.. Eira saw a man take 12 arrows to the chest and keep charging. Once Nicholas had taken her hostage, her people surrendered.
"Princess Eira, he's waiting." She nodded, focusing her mind back to the present. She followed Runa out of her room and down the stone corridor towards the courtyard balcony. She froze as she approached the doorway, her stomach dropping at the sight of Nicholas standing there facing their guests below. Jerrik tapped him on the shoulder and he turned, he wore a clean black tunic, making the white streaks in his light blue hair pop. A small silver flower was pinned to his chest, the ties were loose to reveal his broad slightly hairy chest. Beside him stood his second in command Jerrik. Jerrik kept his back to the stone doorway to increase his field of vision. He sneered as he watched her approach, her soft green eyes downcast as she joined Nicholas's side.
Tiny delicate snowflakes kissed her skin and melted. The air held a slight crisp chill but she closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of it. It was her favorite part about living in the Mountains, all the snow. Decades passed but her love of snow hadn't dimmed in the slightest. Nicholas enclosed her hands and she curtsied. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
"Princess Eira," he greeted while bowing his head. His grip was the only thing keeping her from pulling her hand away. Her jaw clenched as she locked gazes with his gray blue eyes.
"Do not think you can bestow affections upon me and all will be forgiven!" He jerked her against him, brushing the tip of her ear with his lips.
"Do not forget you promised me an heir, I shall bestow any affections I so choose." Jerrik chuckled. Nicholas barely spoke above a whisper but when everyone around had a supernatural sense of hearing, there were no secrets. Nicholas reached up and caressed the tip of her pointy ear.
"Princess I do believe you are blushing," he teased softly. She finally jerked her hand free and glared, hating him for making her burn so red. She felt like she was betraying her people even though she knew she was doing this to save them.
"It is blasphemy! I will not do it!" protested a shrill voice from down the corridor. Ingrid, one of the clan Elders was being carried by two of Nicholas's men. One holding a thick leather bound book in his hands. Her people's recorded history book.
"You will do it or you will join the others in death," the guard snarled.
"What does he mean death, what have you done?" Eira demanded. His men deposited Ingrid in front of Eira and Nicholas
"They refuse to pledge loyalty to their new King."
"Princess, your father would never approve...you cannot marry this abomination." Ingrid protested.
"I am your Queen now Ingrid. As such, my word is law. You will do as I say or you will see yourself banished."
"You wouldn't dare," Ingrid argued, she stood tall, but her voice wavered.
Her long gray hair was pulled into a tight bun but there were a few strands loose.
"A good ruler does whatever is necessary for her people. I need you to trust me Ingrid."
