Discover L (Book 2) | Editing |

~~~ It's Better This Way ~~~

Two hours later, L stepped out of the queen's quarters. She was finally ready; her hair had been cut and styled, she'd managed to fend off the makeup suggestions, and she was dressed in one of the most beautiful outfits she'd ever seen. She followed her Elven escort through the palace. She'd wanted to return to Bryce and Robbie, and enter the ball with them, but the queen had left instructions that L be escorted personally. L had decided not to argue, they were so close to leaving and she wasn't about to make it harder over something unimportant.

They arrived at the doors to the Grand Hall and the escort led L inside. The room was even more spectacular than she'd previously seen it. The lights had been filled with orbs of coloured magic, causing the room to glow in a rainbow of colours. The walls glittered and the floors had been polished to a mirror shine; there were drapes of silk adorning the windows and crisscrossing the ceiling.

The room was already filled with Elves; talking, laughing, some even singing along to the enchanting music that played somewhere in the distance. L took a deep breath as every eye began to turn in her direction, she could hear whispers following her, some questioned if she was the same person, others wondered why they needed a ball for her at all.

L had expected these reactions, she even wondered at some of those questions herself. Her focus on their gossiping was pulled away however when she heard the distinct sound of a familiar heart skipping a few beats. L's eyes instantly met Bryce's from across the room and her chest swelled. He was dressed in the finest robes of red and blue, his hair had two braids pulling it back from his face while the rest flowed freely. He wore a coronet on his head and a look of awe on his face, he smiled when their eyes met and L had to look away before her blush became noticeable.

She was led to the thrones and exchanged bows with the king and queen, both of whom stood to address the court.

"This ball is to honour the Keeper, on what we hope will be the first of many visits to our kingdom. She has graciously rekindled her kind's relationship with the Elves, one which has always been beneficial to both parties. This is sure to continue long into the future, and blossom into something more beautiful than it has ever been."

The king and queen continued to ramble on about the Keeper duties in Elven life, L could hear undertones of what they seemed to expect from her. She wasn't going to pick them out now, but she made a mental note to do so before she left. They royals really did think she was their own personal Keeper.

L kept her cool and accepted the words of honour for as long as they lasted.

"... please, enjoy yourselves. Tonight is for merriment and celebration. To the Keeper!"

"To the Keeper!" Was repeated around the hall, and everyone dispersed.

L let out a breath and searched for Robbie, finding him standing near Bryce's throne, looking particularly bored. She tried to get to him and was waylaid by several Elves, all of whom had a list of questions. For the next hour L was subjected to questions, comments and inquiries into her business. When she finally made it to Robbie, he was being interrogated by two elder Elves, L could hear them asking what his role was.

"He stops me from taking my anger out on those who displease me."

They jumped at the sound of L's voice, which was oddly pleasing to her, thought she hid her smirk. The Elves inclined their heads and quickly retreated, they didn't look back. L and Robbie couldn't help laughing.

"I don't think they knew what to make of that." Robbie grinned.

"They'll come to their own conclusions, I'm sure." L smiled and turned to watch the ball.

Some of the Elves were still watching her and gossiping, others were too busy enjoying themselves. The royals were mingling with the elders, L could hear her title being thrown around but not quite what they were saying.