The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 1 - A Gilded Cage

Nine moons have passed since Elissa was transported to this magical realm and set the quest of finding the Light of Elysium. Now, her journey has brought her to the very place of her birth, to the palace on the Isle of Avalon

She regards the High King; he has the fine bone structure of elven nobility, yet not the pointed ears nor the white-blonde hair of his mother, Queen Celestia. His golden-yellow eyes study her with equal intensity and his sensual lips curl into a half-smile.

Her own eyes narrow in response, his challenge is ridiculous. Queen of Elysium, indeed!

Too much woe has he wrought upon her and her family. Resentment boiling over, a wind whips around her and sends her long white-blonde hair rippling out. Her emerald green eyes glimmer with anger and blue electricity sparks from her fingertips, grounding on nearby objects.

The king steps forward, right through the maelstrom, and boldly cups her cheek with his hand. She wants to be repulsed, yet her skin tingles at his touch. Worse still, as his magic glides across her consciousness, her own magic stretches out like a lazy kitten and purrs.

He bends his head closer; too close, yet she is unable to move. Freaked out, she rifles through her magic, seeking a part not enthralled by whatever hold he has over her. Dark power surges forward; it is not beholden by any male. It forces him to take several steps backwards and gives her the space that she needs.

"You are perfect," he compliments, the words dripping from his lips like honey from her favourite pastry, yet not nearly so appetising.

Turning on his heels, he walks to the door of his adjacent chambers, but stops before passing over the threshold. He looks over his shoulder, amusement playing  upon his features and casually says, "I am just next door if you require anything."

Growling in frustration, she hurls a cushion at the closing door. Yeah, when hell freezes over.

Her gaze scans the opulence of the reception room; it might be huge however her soul flutters under the constraint, like a bird against the bars of a gilded cage. The sound of the portcullis slamming down still echoes in her mind. Have I made a mistake in coming here?

Something draws her attention to the panelling in the corner of the room and at her touch there is a click and a hidden door swings inwards. Peeking inside, she finds a narrow stairway leading downwards. Curiouser and curiouser!

Wondering if she can make an escape, she pulls the door closed behind her and stealthily descends. At the bottom, she freezes at the sight of a female servant sat doing needlework. The woman audibly gasps and hastily rises before curtsies low.

Almost immediately, several people rush into the room; another female servant and two armed guards. There is more bowing and curtsying. Damn, I've been busted.

The second woman, recovering from her shock, supplicates, "Your Highness, if you require anything just ring and one of us will come; any time, night or day."

Elissa nods, a little embarrassed and returns upstairs with as much decorum as she can muster. Shoulders sagging, she tries the door to what she assumes must be her new bedroom. Her nose crinkles at the gilded furniture, piles of frothy lace cushions and far too much pinkness.

The far corner of the room is more her style, with two elegant, yet comfortable velvet chaises and a table overlooking the gardens. On the table are two things which bring the first proper smile to her face since arriving. The first is a beautiful Queen's Conquest set and the other is her, now rather battered rucksack.

Delving into its enchanted depths, she withdraws the sword gifted to her by Queen Seraphina and strokes the scabbard, recalling how she first discovered her ability to wield fire.