the trip

By the time everything was over I'd gone back to the kitchen to my my mother and Marcy eating.

"Is that chocolate?" I ask with a raised brow

"Depends do you want some?" Marcy said with a sly grin.

I rush over "you better give me some that chocolate!!!"

I chase Marcy around the kitchen,

We were all laughing a good and genuine laugh. It was nice and probably the last for awhile.

***

I would be traveling to the Sun clan tomorrow and we would eventually make our way around all the clans as a show of good faith.

People were uneasy about the new alliance, and we needed to reassure them I am not the same as my forefathers and that neither are my parents and don't wish to strip them of their status but merely share in them fruit of everyone's reward. Theo and I had discussed new laws that we would change how we intended to do things differently and better. Show them they made the right choice by standing behind us in unity. As one Elysium.

I was looking forward to seeing Theo

My partner.

My prince.

My future king.

My husband.

***

I barely slept a wink last night. With everything packed we were eating a super early morning. It was barely dawn when we all arrived in the kitchen for our last breakfast together for awhile.

The staff made my favorite, pancakes and bacon. Sera and Mammy were here too. It was a happy setting despite the fact we had a funeral pyre last night and that I was leaving today.

After breakfast I walked over to the stables to say goodbye to Faith and gather Priscilla and saddle her up for the ride. I didn't pack more than a trunks worth of things. Figured I could buy what I need a long the way. Pick up some cute regional dresses. Maybe dressing like them would make them more at ease. I know my great great great grandfather would never. But I was different.

Every rounded up and the cart loaded. It was a day and a half journey by horse back. To meet with Theo at the border. We'd meet him at the pass before the mountains heading south. And he would escort us to the capital of the Sun Elves Clan.

Saying good bye was hard. I said goodbye first to Elliot and Erinn. And then I look to Alistar. "I'm gonna miss you. I know I'm an asshole. But just know I'm ready if you ever need my baby sis"

"I know" I give him. Big hug. I look to my mom and dad and I give them a big hug and that's when the tears start to well up. Last I look at Alderic and I lose it I collapse into my big brothers arms and I sob "don't forget me okay Riri?" He says with a big hug in return.

"Never"

I get on Priscilla and Oleander, Arragon and I leave the court yard with one look back we wave bye and take off. Oleander rode a griffin name Ggazelle. Arragon rode a feathered serpent (which was like a dragon but more snake like). The cart would be driven on land by horse back and would arrive half a day after us. We would fly to meet Theo.