Music rang throughout the kingdom. People danced to the band playing a lively melody. It echoed throughout the castles, reaching the garden adorned with colorful petals. In a patch of shimmering daffodils layed the princess of Paenia, sheltered in the arms of Bhilium’s most trusted knight. Their eyes bright with smiles on their lips. Dorian’s finger twirled into the waves of the princess’ dark hair when they heard footsteps. Elisia stood up instantly, grabbing a hold on Dorian’s hand and rushing to the other side of the garden. Precious orchids had bloomed all over the area, surrounding the alluring magnolia flower tree in the center of the field.

Elisia leads the knight to the tree, the two sitting against it as she lets out a breath. “You almost got us caught” She huffs.

Dorian only smiles at her. “I didn’t hear them,” He shrugs.

“You’re supposed to be the knight here.”

“Yet you’re the one who’s constantly saving me.” He rests his forehead against her shoulder. A faint smile breaks through her frustration for a second and, in spite of herself, her heart flutters.

“Who else would distract me during these bland festivals and meetings?”

“Maybe someone from your own kingdom.”

Elisia rolls her eyes at the sarcasm dripping from his tongue. Flicking the back of his neck, she chuckles. “Not funny.”

“I thought it was hilarious.” He pulls back to look at her, the grin on his face wide. “Maybe I should have been a jester”

“You can’t play a fool.”

“Sure I can. You just have to be in the room”

Her cheeks flush at his antics, scoffing at his soppy words. Nonetheless, Elisia lays down with her head on his lap. His fingers back in her hair and her eyes closed as she sinks into his comfort. The music playing in the castle threatened to disturb their peace. A taunting reminder of what awaited them outside of the garden. Elisia’s grip on Dorian’s arm unconsciously tightens.

“Lisia…” She blinks once, her brown eyes meeting his own. The uncertainty in her eyes jab at his heart. He holds her closer, searching for a way to reassure her. “We still have time.”

“No, we don’t.” She breaks away from his warmth, sitting up once again. “Tomorrow night I will be crowned the Queen of a kingdom that’s in conflict with your own and in a week you will go back.”

“When you become queen, you can change that.”

“They won’t listen!”

He reaches for her hands but she moves back. The hurt in his eyes is worse than a punch to her gut. “I’ll make them listen.”

At his persistence, she lets out a sigh. “You know that’s not how this works.” A shaky breath falls from her lips, fingers fiddling with the silk of her dress. “Your loyalty belongs to Bhilum.”

With a soft smile, Dorian picks up the delicate magnolia that had fallen from the tree they sat by. “It did.” He places the flower in her hair. “But my heart belongs to you.” 

Elisia’s gaze softens, hands moving to cup his cheeks. 

“We could run away.” Dorian continues, holding her hands in place. “Like we always talked about.”

Tears cloud Elisia’s vision, but the moment is cut short when she hears the door open. In one swift movement, Elisia’s hand is on the handle of the knight’s sword. Standing up, he pulls out his shield while she points the weapon at the newcomer. Elisia’s shoulders relax when the young eighteen year old shrieks at the sword.

“For goodness sake! Eli, you could have killed me!”

With a faint chuckle, Elisia hands the weapon back to Dorian to greet her younger sister. “I could never hurt you, Dessie.” The sisters embrace as Odessa nods to Dorian in acknowledgment.

“I figured I’d find you both here.” Odessa gives her sister a pointed look. “Eli, You know they’re looking for you.”

“Yeah, I know.” Elisia’s smile falters slightly, glancing back to Dorian. Odessa watches the two, eyes softening at the silent conversation. It was heartbreaking to look at the two. Having to sneak around to even see each other. Watching the light in Elisia’s eyes dim when he had to go back to Bhilum. Watching her shoulders tense when she had to sit on her throne. Odessa knew all about the quarrel between Paenia and Bhilum. Stories of how both kingdoms deposed each other circled around the castle all the time. They were too different, they’d say. The only thing they ever agreed on was that they needed each other to survive. Bhilum was rich in gold but Paenia specialized in agriculture. Odessa always found it foolish how their parents would squabble. Elisia is the future queen and their father is set on marrying her off to a prince. If he found out that Elisia had fallen for a knight of Bhilum, he would make sure she never saw Dorian again.

“This is ridiculous.” Odessa sighs, arms crossed. “You two should be able to be together without all this conflict.”

Elisia reaches a hand out to her younger sister, keeping contact with Dorian as she dissects his offer. Running away would be too complicated. Both of them would leave everything they know behind, their families, friends, duties. And what of the crown? Of course, Elisia never wanted to be queen, if she left with Dorian, she wouldn’t have to live with that burden. Then again, Odessa is the only other heir. If Elisia ran away, she would doom her sister to that same burden. She couldn’t do that to her.

“Eli…”

Her brown eyes snap up to meet Odessa’s hazel ones. She takes one glance at her sister before facing her lover.

“I can’t leave this place…If i’m gone, Dessie will be forced to take the throne-”

“And I would be able to handle it.” Odessa’s sharp voice cuts through. The older sister’s mouth snaps shut as Odessa’s voice softens slightly. “Eli, you’ve never wanted the crown. The idea of ruling was something you despised.” Her grip on Elisia’s hand tightens. “I don’t want you to go but it is your decision. Just know, if you do leave, I can handle our father. The court. I’ll figure something out and Paenia will be in good hands with me.”

With a squeeze of her hand, Elisia’s shoulders relax at her sister’s reassurance. Her eyes turn glossy and Odessa wipes the tears away. “You don’t have to do this.”

The corner of Odessa’s lips turn up. “You always put me first. For once, be selfish. I’ve been at all your meetings, learned everything you have, I read through every book they gave you. I want this.” She pulls Elisia into a tight hug. “But I will only do this if it means you can live a happy life with him.”

Burying her face into Odessa’s shoulder, Elisia blinks back the tears forming in her eyes. The scent of lavender in Odessa’s hair brings comfort to the older sister. When they part, Dorian is right at her side again, hand in hers.

“When do you leave?” Odessa wipes the tears from her own eyes.

“Tomorrow night.”

Citizens from both kingdoms waited at the Paenia Castle, thrilled to see the oldest princess be crowned. Purple banners decorated the land, people danced and sang, eager for the coronation to begin. Seats began to fill up as the former king took his place at the altar. Meanwhile, Odessa had explained to her mother that Elisia was nowhere to be found. The Queen paced around the room, the ceremony started in mere minutes. With no other choice, the Queen walked down the path, ignoring the curious whispers, and told her husband that their oldest daughter was gone.

Guards were sent to search all throughout the kingdom. The King and Queen found a letter on their bed from Elisia, explaining that she fled from the kingdom and that she was not coming back. She specified that Odessa be crowned without forcing marriage upon her before signing it with her name. After months of looking, Odessa was crowned Queen of Paenia. Two years later, the new Queen received a response to the letter she had sent out mere days ago. The dove flew into her room with a small scroll of paper tied around his neck. Tied with the scroll was a small magnolia.

Dear Dessie,

I am proud of the work you’ve done with our home. Dorian and I offer our condolences for the passing of the former King. By the time you receive this letter, we will be on our way back to Paenia for the funeral. As for the possible peace treaty between Peania and Bhilum, one can only hope their Queen listens. I have no doubts 

that you will find a way. I love you and I will see you soon.

Your sister,

Elisia