Her hands still bound, Arthur led her out of the holding cell. The cells were damp, musty and full of rodents. She felt badly for the creatures held down here. She saw elves, dwarves, orcs and even other humans all chained up, some badly beaten. These nobles, whoever they are, were skilled trackers.

Arthur trudged past a group of guards on watch. “Going up?” Asked one of the guards.

“Yep, this one is for Edwin’s party tonight.” Arthur chuckled giving her a push. The guard just shook his head and unlocked the door for us. This place was well guarded and heavily protected. There were easily ten guards keeping an eye on this area.

They continued out of the cells and past a storage area, the smell of cooked foods drifted into her senses as they approached the stairs. She couldn’t help but salivate, how long had it been since she last ate?

Upwards they climbed, the smell of food had her stomach growling for sustenance. Reaching the top, the hallways were lined with red banners all of them had a white horse carrying a knight. Guards were stationed at every exit and entrance. She felt on high alert around so many guards in thick armor. It reminded her that one wrong move could mean her demise.

Down another hallway this time passing servants. They gawked at the young Snow Elf, whispering to each other as they passed by. Finally they entered a massive room. The room was meant for dining and entertaining, there was so much food. She had never seen anything quite like it before. Each table had elaborate spreads, from roasted duck to sweet ham. There were hundreds of dishes and she was drawn fo the food, but before she could head over to a table Arthur stopped her.

He took her hands and cut the ropes. “Now I’m taking this off, but just know if you don’t behave for the young master, you will be put back in the cells for the rest of your life.” She took a deep breath, her pink eyes told him she would be on her best behavior. Elves live incredibly long lives, she couldn’t imagine spending all of her days in a cell.

With her hands free she approached the table closest to her and grabbed a piece of the roasted duck. The warm juices ran down her face and she savored every bite. “My my, someone’s hungry.” Said an all too familiar voice.

Simon was quickly patting her face with a cloth handkerchief, catching all of the mess she made. She remembered the words he said to her in the holding cell. Simon winked reading her mind. He wagged his finger as he whispered, “I’m on my best behavior as well. See that beautiful woman over there? That’s my beloved wife, and the little ones are our children.” She was taken aback, she didn’t think a man like Simon would be wed, let alone have children.

His wife was gorgeous, long golden brown wavy hair with chestnut colored eyes. She doted on the little ones who couldn’t be more than nine and five years old. A little girl and boy, who were the spitting image of their parents. The little girl looked just like Simon and the little boy like his mother. His wife wore a stunning gown of pink velvet with gold accents. Simon was also wearing a white silk dress shirt with gold accents, black pants and long brown boots. He had a black cape on to hide his sword sheathed on his left side.

“Victoria is King Theodore’s daughter.” Simon said still going on about his wife. “I have the privilege to be the Kings royal guard and I take my job very seriously.” Simon paused for a moment getting extremely close to her. “Everything I do is with finesse and precision.” His intense blue eyes stared daggers into her innocent pink ones. He then gave her a playful wink, still inches from her.

“Well, it was nice chatting, I have to head back to the party. I hope you and Edwin have a great night.” He said practically singing as he turned to leave. The curls on his head swayed as he left going toward his family.

She was able to get in a few more pieces of meat and a very hot potato before the festivities started. Everything was disorienting to her, the smells, the people and the atmosphere were so outside of her element. She was used to caves and dark places, this was vibrant and full of life.

That’s when everyone stood up to address the King. They all watched as he elegantly walked into the room, red plush velvet draped around him, the trail so long it took four people to hold the end. His dark brown hair, long and wavy. His black eyes scanning the room, taking an extra moment to focus on her. She was a gift for his son after all.

His son, Edwin, followed closely behind. He had his fathers dark eyes and his wavy locks fell into his eyes. His hair a golden brown color, similar to his sisters. He also wore a much shorter red cape of plush velvet. Both the capes had the same white horse with a knight on them. It was definitely a family crest, but what it stood for she had no idea.

Edwin seemed very modest and shy compared to his father, not sure what to do or where to be. The King sat down and gestured with his hand for his son to come sit next to him. They sat at the front of the room watching over everything. She thought it was peculiar that there was no Queen. After both men were seated, everyone else sat down.

Arthur came to escort her over to the side of the room. He cleaned her face and made sure she still looked presentable for the young Prince. The King thanked everyone loudly for coming today, he was so happy that they were all here to celebrate his sons fifteenth birthday. “You are a man now, my son! That means you will have to find a wife and soon I will have more grandchildren. Every day I see you grow older and wiser.” He looked at his son adoringly.

“I have a present for you, something exotic and unique. I wanted you to have someone to serve or please you however you see fit.” The King once again gestured his hand and before she could catch her breath she was being forced up towards the King and his son. Arthur bowed, nudging her to do the same. He then turned to leave and she stood before the King alone, waiting for what was to happen next.

The King stood up, he was at least a foot taller, and looked her over. “I’ve never seen an Elf quite like this before.”

“She is a Snow Elf, my King.” Arthur bowed again, explaining.

“I thought your people were extinct.” His eyebrows raised in shock. He played with his beard, fascinated by what his men found. “Does she have a name?” The king turned to Arthur again.

“It is Snow, my King.” Arthur answered immediately.

“Ah, what a fitting name for such a beautiful creature. She almost looks like a doll with such porcelain skin.” The King remarked. He gestured for Edwin to come.

Edwin approached with some hesitation. He seemed completely uncomfortable with this gift. “But Father I know nothing about Elves!”

The King laughed from his belly, “You don’t need to know a thing about them to bed them, my son!”

Edwin, still uncertain what that meant, thanked the King quickly and sat back down.

“Edwin, what are you doing?” His father asked.

“I am sitting back down?” The young Prince asked.

“Oh no, you have bigger plans!” The King said with a smile on his face.

Suddenly a few of the royal guard grabbed Edwin and Snow, they dragged them both into a nearby room. “You can come out once you’re a man!” The King and guests laughed uproariously.

The door was shut and locked behind the two of them. They looked at each other with confusion and disbelief that this would happen. Snow backed up a few inches unsure what to expect next. Her pink eyes were scanning the room. The bedroom had bottles of wine and lit candles, things to help set the mood. She stood there awaiting Edwin’s next move. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, but she wouldn’t let them fall. She would take this task with dignity and grace, her life depended on it.