Her Heart of Fire: The Princes of Thorne

By M.A. Summer

Elena was nothing but a young woman from a small village on the kingdom's frontier, at least that's what she always believed. She did possess magic, a trait more common among the ruling nobility, but she never thought it that special. When the Queen herself invited Elena to come to the palace, to learn to harness her gift and rise to the rank of noble to become a Guardian of the Palace, how could she say no?

 

It was there she met Prince Elias, the second Prince of House Thorne, and a man trouble by a darkness Elena could not place. Her instincts told her there was more to him than the insufferable, irritating, and insulting persona he presented. Elena had a thirst for knowledge in all forms, and especially one for him. As she learned more about her power, more about him, the more she felt drawn in by his emerald eyes and the feel of his magic. All the while something grew inside her, something she herself was not even aware of but her emotions burned and smoldered, especially with a look from Prince Elias.

 

Could she resist the growing desire to be close to the prince, and risk her chance to learn about her magic? Or would she give in to the flame of her heart and see if he could feel the same? How could a prince fall in love with a village girl, and how could she heal the scars left by whatever darkness consumed him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A.Summer
• Release date: Feb 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215830659

Book preview

Chapter 1

She was truly mesmerized by the grandeur of the palace. She had known, of course, that it would be the most luxurious and grand structure she had ever encountered but knowing something and truly witnessing that something was vastly different. She also knew that the heart of the kingdom would have to reflect the power the kingdom possessed. Caer Mythran shattered what she knew and made her realize how little her village knew of luxury.

Towers reaching high into the sky made of honey-brown stone, strengthened with beams of high-silver switching up and around each wall, each tower, each column to support the impossible height and accented by creeping vines that spread snaking green patterns that were accented with dots of colour from a wealth of flowers. 

This is what magic can do. Elena thought to herself, barely taking in the words of the Queen she followed. However, she did suspect from the twinkle in the Queen’s golden-brown eyes, that Queen Irena knew full well her commentary was falling on deaf ears. She was far from home, far from the hills and valleys that surrounded her little village. Last Pasture had been a frontier village, and the palace sat on a manufactured plateau above what was a true city. Mythran stood as the capital to the whole of the Aemerian Kingdom which was ruled by house Thorne for the past five centuries.

And this will be your own private space during your time here. The Queen said with a playful smile on her face. An expression Elena definitely knew meant the Queen was completely aware that she had been completely lost in her own astonishment of the Palace. A servant opened the double doors into her new living space, doors that stood taller than her home back in Last Pasture. 

I hope you do not mind my flare for the dramatic. Queen Irena chuckled. When I heard the colour of your magic I immediately thought of these chambers and could not resist.

Her magic, her whole reason for being invited to live in the palace. Elena followed the queen into the room. The walls were draped with violet tapestries with silver designs wrapped around a massive space -in Elena’s opinion at least- with floors covered in deep plum carpet that covered just enough to allow the honey-brown stone to accent the colours and add warmth to the room. A fireplace sat to one side, couches upholstered in a shimmering, pale grey fabric sat in a ‘U’ shape in front of it. Next to it was what Elena would consider a normal sized door led to an unknown adjacent room. Opposite the fireplace stood a canopy bed with curtains to block out light made of polished light wood that Elena could not place and plum cloth that matched the carpet of her new room. The bed was truly inviting after the long travel by carriage she had endured. Two plush chairs of the same shimmery grey fabric, a small table set between them and a filled bookshelf just off to the side, sat by a tall window flanked by plum curtains directly across from the doorway she stood in.

The wardrobe has a collection of clothing I hope will fit, if not we can use resizing them as a lesson. The Queen nodded to a truly artistically designed wardrobe just inside the door to her right. "The door to the left leads to your own private bath. I’m certain you’ve never encountered an enchanted bath in your village, just lay a finger on the red gem to fill it with warm water, the white for cool, and the black one in the centre to drain it.

Th-thank you, Your Grace, I’m truly overwhelmed by all of this. Elena said, breathlessly. She scarcely knew where to look. This was all hers now.

I understand, dear. The Queen said with a warm smile, placing a reassuring hand on the younger woman’s shoulder. I would imagine you never dreamed your gifts would bring you into the palace as my own ward.

She shook her head, barely able to speak. Her gifts, her magic. Magic was not particularly as common as it was in the time of the Ancients, and even still gifted sorcerers existed in all walks of life from commoners to royals. Elena, however, possessed a strength in her magic that impressed the King and Queen by written account alone, an account that had been sent without Elena knowing. By luck of birth, or perhaps a strange twist of fate, her prodigious gift with magic would lead her to be a true noble of the kingdom simply because of an old custom that she nor anyone in her village had even known to exist.

Take time to gather yourself. The Queen said, a motherly warmth radiating from her. In a few hours I’ll introduce you to the rest of my family at dinner, as you’ll be spending time with them while I teach you.

I’ll be spending time with the King and the princes? Elena gasped, suddenly extremely self conscious.

Of course, you’re a guest of the royal family while I train you. She laughed. You’ll take meals with us, breakfast and the midday meal being voluntary on most occasions. I do hope you’ll also get along with my sons as well.

It was strange to hear the princes be referred to as simply ‘sons’ but they were her children, and formalities of court maybe did not extend to direct family.

You’ll be fine. She said, now placing both her hands on Elena’s shoulders. Dorian and Anthony, my eldest and youngest, are quite polite and I have instructed all three of my children to speak to even beggars with courtesy.

Who is the third? Elena asked. Er-Your Grace.

Queen Irena sighed softly; her eyes closed in thought with a strangely amused smirk on her lips. Elias, my middle child. He’s...well he has great kindness in him but events over the past few years have made him rather...well...

Difficult. Elena offered hesitantly. The Queen let out a huff of amusement.

Tricky may be the better word. The Queen laughed. He will likely torment you to irritation, or to distancing yourself, or likely both. I will be asking him to help with some lessons as he is the only one of my children to possess magic and he himself was also quite gifted so try to take what he says and does with a grain of salt. He will eventually...well not stop but lessen to a more tolerable level.

With another reassuring smile, and the promise of a servant to lead her to the King’s solar...whatever that was, the Queen left, and Elena was left alone. She put her bag in the door...a small satchel of reminders of home and changes of cloth she had used for her journey to the palace. She eyed the room, feeling a wave of nausea as the nerves hit her. She shut the doors and backed out into the palace hall. A small courtyard of sorts sat opposite her room, a few stone benches, and a view of the sky through panels of glass. 

So, you’re the village girl the Queen has plucked from the frontier to train. A smooth tenor voice chuckled nearby. Elena spun to see one of the guards standing just a few feet from her, leaning against the wall in ostentatiously decorative chainmail armour. How had she not seen him before? Had he been there the entire time? You’re certainly lovelier than expected...not nearly the hick I had envisioned.

Elena glared. I would have thought palace guards would hold a little more class and etiquette, or do you just think that a ‘village girl’ can be intimidated by overly decorated armour.

My, my, the village girl has a sharp tongue. He said, walking lazily towards her, piercing, emerald eyes shooting an almost predatory look towards her. Chestnut hair fell down near his eyes and just began to brush his shoulders. A tongue like that could get you in...trouble.

The man placed his hand on the column behind her, just at the level of her head, but she did not flinch, she stared up into his eyes, his face only inches away but her fist clenched tightly.

Is this where you make some implied sexual inuendo, or worse threat to my person? She scoffed, nearly amused at the gull of the guard. The Queen brought me here because I am a particularly powerful sorceress that the Queen wishes to train, personally. How do you think any of this is going to go?

The man chuckled, a wide smile and playful glint in his eyes. While Elena was terribly annoyed, and desperately trying to sound like she wasn’t at all scared by the much taller man before her, she couldn’t help but feel a slight flutter in her chest; despite his deplorable manners, the man was incredibly handsome in her opinion. Yet another thing that irritated her.

Now how powerful- He leaned down until his lips were close enough to her ear that she could feel the air drift upon them as he spoke. Could a village girl be?

Just like the bandit raid, but maybe not as harsh. She thought as she focused her mind and felt her magic swirl around her hand. She motioned as if to shove him and the man was thrown back into the wall he previously leaned against. He caught himself, standing straight with an amused laugh.

I guess more powerful than I gave credit for.

Do not presume to have any reason to get that close to me. She sneered.

And here I was just taking this twig out of your hair, so you could look presentable to our royal family. He laughed, holding up a small bit of twig with a leaf still attached albeit in a crumbled state. Her hand jumped to her hair, worried she had been walking with the Queen with branches and who knows what else in her hair. The man chuckled as her cheeks burned, and persisted as she stormed towards her bedroom door flicking her hand as she approached by instinct; she was pleased when the doors flung open for her, and even more so at the sound they made when she slammed them shut.

After a long soak in the enchanted tub, and quick experiment with the various concoctions and scented oils that lined a small shelf above it, Elena took it upon herself to select a dress she felt appropriate to meet the royal family, and then, seeing herself in a full length mirror at the end of her bed (another thing she had missed her first glance around the room) she decided on her second choice: a pale blue gown with vine like accents in silvery thread. She felt it brought out the red hues of her auburn hair and made her deep blue eyes standout. While she hadn’t been one of the girls particularly concerned with making herself look as beautiful as possible, she understood the confidence that came when one was confident in their appearance. 

She stared back at her reflection, realizing that the dress may very well have cost more than even Sir Alisstar made in a month. She debated trying to dry her hair with magic. She had scrubbed a towel in it until it no longer dripped but it still appeared damp. She debated, but also remembered the Gideon incident and decided against it...better damp hair than none.

A quick knocking on her door interrupted her internal dilemma. Lady Elena? I’m here to escort you to the King’s solar.

Lady Elena...that’s going to take some getting used to. She thought to herself, before exiting the room thanking the servant as they walked. She was a ball of nerves as she walked through the twisting corridors of the Palace. The servant girl walked with confidence, as if a tether guided her around without her ever needing to think. Of course, that was certainly a testament to years of work in the same halls. They walked up a grand staircase with a supple carpet in sky blue and fringed with golden cloth. As they turned a corner at the top of the stairs another massive set of double doors opened up into the hall and the Queen stood waiting. She looked over at Elena with a smile before her face morphed into a look of exasperation as she brought her hand to her head as if she had forgotten something; Elena immediately felt her stomach drop, unsure what terrible mistake she had made.

Forgive me, Elena. She said as she walked towards the terrified Elena. Some magics I use so frequently I forget that they need to be learned.

Her hand glided over the length of her hair, the heaviness of the damp dissipating with the movement. Elena felt her hair in amazement; it was dry and softer than she ever remembered it, but she couldn’t tell whether it was so by the Queen’s magic or one of the bottles from her private bath.

I’m definitely eager to learn that, Your Grace. Elena said, giving a slight curtsy as she realized it was likely expected.

Queen Irena is fine with me, and the most informal I can allow due to aristocratic expectations. She stated with a playful wink. Elena could not help feeling that the Queen was truly the definition of ‘A Queen of the People’. Her golden-brown eyes held such a warmth and care that it made Elena feel at ease with a glance. Although she wore a diadem in her warm brown hair that was streaked with white, it was surprisingly simple, made of twining silver bands and lacked any extra adornment, be it hints of different rare metal or stone. She guided Elena into the solar, a supportive hand on her back to guide her. Immediately Elena took in the sight of two tall men in regal tunics. One wearing the Thorne colours, sky blue and gold, the other in black with midnight blue accents that very easily could have been mistaken for black. After the short description she had been given, she figured the one in black to be Prince Elias...she would not feel surprised if the ‘trickster’ prince was a stereotype in black. The two princes turned to her; the one in blue giving a wide welcoming smile with eyes that matched his mother and hair the colour of summer wheat; the one in black gave her an amused smirk, a wicked glint in his emerald eyes. Suddenly Elena felt terrified once again as she took in the sight of the guard she had magically thrown, now revealed to be Prince Elias.

Lady Elena, I’d like to introduce you to my eldest sons: Prince Dorian. The one in blue bowed, giving some kind of welcome Elena did not hear as her heartbeat seemed to pound in her ears. And Prince Elias.

A pleasure to meet you, Lady Elena. He said approaching her and taking her hand to place a soft kiss above her knuckles as he bowed. I’m sure she will turn out more powerful than expected.

Elena tensed at his knowing smile, and a stare filled with mischief. She knew she likely had gone pale. She had assaulted a Prince, a crime likely punishable by death. Had she come here only to be executed for being a victim of his deception?

Prince Elias gave her a wink before turning to rejoin Prince Dorian as they continued their conversation. Elena felt fire bloom in her chest. He wasn’t going to say a word, she was certain, he only wished to see her reaction and she had likely given him the one he wanted. Her face relaxed into an icy calm. The Queen led Elena away from the princes and over to a long window that took up nearly the entirety of the wall, a view of the tops of trees and further down the promise of a large garden space.

I couldn’t help but notice a particular look in my son’s eyes. The Queen whispered so only Elena could hear. What did he do?

Elena stared at the Queen, the fire dying only to be replaced with worry once again. She stammered over her words, nervous about how she would react.

It’s alright, you can tell me without fear, dear. Queen Irena smiled, her hand not leaving Elena’s shoulder.

A-after you left I went to the courtyard outside my room, and he was leaning against a wall dressed as a guard. Elena stated as calmly as she could.

I thought I saw a shimmer by your door. The Queen glanced over at Elias, a hint of pride in her eyes. He’s getting far too good at concealing himself. What happened next?

He made a couple rude comments, I shot back thinking he was nothing more than a guard, and then he got very close to me...leaning close enough that had he turned his head his nose likely would have brushed against my hair. Elena said, rubbing her hands against each other at her waist. And then I...I...well...

Go on. The Queen encouraged. 

I kind of threw him against the wall with my magic. Elena stammered, meeting the Queen’s gaze nervously, hoping to convey how mortified she felt. Queen Irena, surprisingly, let out a quick laugh.

Slept wrong indeed.

Queen Irena?

The Queen chuckled to herself, her eyes looking to Elena with amusement. He came to me shortly after and told me he slept wrong and his back hurt; he wanted me to heal whatever was wrong. He and I both knew the muscle was bruised and he didn’t get it from sleeping but I let him have his secrets.

She sighed, looking over at the darker haired prince, shaking her head but not in annoyance. Elena thought she saw a slight twitch at the corner of Prince Elias’s lips.

He should not have gotten that close to you without your permission but believe me when I say he would never and has never actually put his hands on a woman, at least not without their say so. She said; Elena felt a blush threatening to bloom. He does manage to find ways to be particularly irritating, but just try not to make a habit of throwing him around. He had it coming, but he is still a prince.

Elena gave a nervous laugh as the Queen smiled. A door opened from an adjacent room, the King himself following suit clad in finery that looked to be spun from real silver. A crown of platinum and sapphire sat upon hair the same colour as Prince Dorian’s. Behind him entered a younger man who must have been Prince Anthony but being the only one in the room to wear scarlet and who looked to be a couple years shy of adulthood.

That would be my husband, King Tristan, of course. Queen Irena said, smiling lovingly at her husband, whose eyes were the only hint at the love he wished to express to her. As well as my youngest, Prince Anthony.

Prince Anthony approached at his mother’s beckoning.

I hope you are feeling welcomed, Lady Elena. He greeted, bowing to Elena politely. Perhaps now my brother will shut up about a new sorcerer living in the palace now that you’ve arrived.

Anthony. Queen Irena half-heartedly scolded, giving him a light smack on the arm with the back of her hand that looked more playful than anything.

Apologies, mother. He smiled.

Does Prince Dorian not like magic? Elena asked absentmindedly, assuming who he meant.

Forgive me, I meant Prince Elias. He said with a roll of his eyes. Elena raised an eyebrow at that. She had thought if anyone would be at least mildly appreciative of her presence as a sorcerer it would be another sorcerer. Before she could think about asking Queen Irena for a possible explanation the Queen led her over to the most powerful individual in the Kingdom. He was not just a king, but an incredibly gifted sorcerer in his own right. Elena was rightfully nervous, after all she was not technically a noble yet.

Your Grace, Queen Irena began. This is my new pupil. Lady Elena of Last Pasture.

Elena curtsied, giving a meek greeting to the King.

No. He stated. Elena looked up in shock. The curtsy is correct but greet any noble or royal with confidence. At the end of your training, you will be named a Lady of this palace, you must begin to act as such now.

It was a firm statement, direct, but not with any anger or irritation, simply a correction, a lesson.

Apologies, Your Majesty. Elena said, giving another curtsy. It is an honour to meet you.

Much better. A small smile graced his face, his blue eyes showing his pleasure at the swift correction. The pleasure is mine. I truly never expect my dear wife to ever take a student after our son.

Elena eyed the second prince, her would-be tormentor. His entire demeanor seemed in contrast to his brothers, mother, and especially his father. She felt an itch in the back of her mind as she absently compared him to the rest of his family.

Something feels different about Prince Elias, but what? She thought to herself briefly. She was never one to let a mystery stand when it was in front of her. She couldn’t place why she felt he was different, his hair was darker and his eyes unique among the royal family, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything nor did his being the only one of the princes to have magic either. She would think on it later when her focus wasn’t needed in the present.

Come. He called to the rest of his family. Let’s eat and welcome our new guest.

The meal had been. ..Elena actually didn’t have a word to describe it. Dishes of vegetables and fruits completely unknown to her sat with roasts of meat spiced so perfectly the smell alone nearly hypnotized her. She, unfortunately, sat opposite Prince Elias who only shot the occasional cocky look at her when the rest of his family weren’t looking.

Immaturity in a prince, how dreadful. She thought, although stories of noble children lashing out and throwing tantrums at the slightest inconvenience were told in even her village, perhaps a royal child was no different.

Did you have a relative that served in Lord Exley’s castle? He asked, pointedly drawing attention to your common blood she suspected.

I’m afraid not, Prince Elias. She replied with a smile, her eyes shooting daggers that he definitely saw and took amusement from. Lord Exley may have been the liege Lord of my village but few people in my village ever had the training in etiquette to serve in his castle.

I’m sorry to hear you don’t hold better etiquette. He jabbed, reminding her of their previous encounter.

Elias. The King warned.

It is quite alright, Your Majesty. Elena said with a smile. Prince Elias simply misunderstood. I had said few people in my village were trained in etiquette, but I did not mean myself. Sir Alisstar was kind enough to teach me the etiquette of the court, having served as guard to Lord Exley for many years before he was given stewardship of Last Pasture.

Prince Elias’s lips twitched in annoyance, his eyes losing the look of amusement.

Yes, I believe I met Sir Alisstar in my youth while I travelled the Kingdom with my father, King Elias. The King stated. Sir Octavian Alisstar, if I recall correctly.

Yes, Your Majesty, that is him. She said with a smile, strangely proud that the King knew of the older knight who was steward of her village. I hadn’t realized you were named after your grandfather, Prince Elias.

She said the comment to the prince as simple conversation, no jabs or attempt at matching wit, but still the prince’s eyes suddenly went cold.

Yes. He replied, his voice devoid of emotion. I was.

I’m surprised Sir Alisstar taught etiquette to a village girl; I say with no intended offense. The King continued, seemingly ignoring his son’s sudden change in mood.

N-no offense taken, Your Majesty. She replied, taken back at Prince Elias’s sudden shift. Sir Alisstar is a believer that when the village prospers, he prospers. He actually welcomes all the children in the village to his home to teach them to read.

You’re literate. Prince Dorian stated with mild glee. Forgive the surprise, I had always heard that literacy was not common in the frontiers outside the nobility.

Dorian, don’t be rude. Queen Irena scolded.

Again, there was no offense taken, Your Grace. Elena smiled. To my knowledge, my village is an oddity on the frontier, much to the displeasure of passing merchants that try to sell us baubles with fake writs of authenticity.

The King gave a single amused chuckle, while Prince Dorian and Prince Anthony laughed lightly in amusement. The conversation continued for a time, the hardy meal was replaced with pots of teas and small cakes. A surprisingly light assortment considering the lavishness of the preceding meal. 

Oh, Elena, before I forget- The Queen called, lowering her cup of tea. Next week we will be having a ball to officially welcome you to the palace and introduce you to the aristocracy of the kingdom.

Elena felt her heart drop. She had of course heard all about the balls nobles would throw, with large crowds of people filled with an assortment of wines and spirits. She tried to maintain a neutral expression, desperate to hide the fear she felt.

I wouldn’t want you to go to all the trouble for me. She replied, wanting to plea for them not to do it but also knowing it was likely an insult.

Nonsense. The King stated, his eyes scanning her face. It is customary to have some form of celebration, be it a feast, ball, or tournament for a guest of the royal family. Since you are the first person in many years to be intended to rise to the rank of noble, thanks to your exceptional gift with magic, it felt appropriate for us to choose a ball. Besides, letting the rest of the nobility see you will make things easier when your training has completed, and they become your peers. 

The thought was still daunting. She was a commoner by birth and the whole notion that she could simply become a noble still sat strangely in her mind.

I’m having a dress commissioned for you. The Queen said. The seamstress will come to take your measurements the day after tomorrow.

Elena thanked the Queen and finished her tea, catching a thoughtful eye from Prince Elias but that was a worry for another time. The family, save for Prince Elias, had made her feel welcomed and the nervousness she felt about suddenly living at the palace was draining away but the prospect that soon she would be present to a room filled with nobles filled her with new dread. 

She made her way through the castle with the company of the two elder Princes, Prince Dorian giving her directions to places in the castle she may find interesting. She was happy to learn that the royal library was even close to her rooms and that the archivist was happy to allow guests to remove books for reading in privacy. Prince Elias turned down the corridor leading towards the library, she learned his own room was even closer than hers. 

I hope you will forgive my brother’s coldness at the mention of his namesake. Prince Dorian sighed as they reached Elena’s room. I’m afraid our grandfather and he did not get along in the slightest...Elias still feels bitter all these years later.

I’m sorry to hear that. Elena said, truthfully. I hope I didn’t inadvertently insult Prince Elias.

Not at all. He replied gently. Just...

Just? Elena asked curiously.

Be patient with my brother...he is truly a kind and caring soul beneath the antagonism.

He let the statement hang in the air, excusing himself before she could press for answers. As she walked into her room, still astounded by the sheer size of it, her mind wandered to the enigma that was Prince Elias. Had she not received the warning from the Queen she may have thought him to be just an ass. She still did, but the Queen hinted at bitterness or something akin to it as the cause. Prince Dorian further asserted that his brother’s behaviour was not the result of any superior belief, but more underlying issues.

So, he’s that kind of bully. She thought. He could have been so, so much worse.

Chapter 2

L ady Elena, I’ve brought you breakfast at the Queen’s request. A voice said, softly rousing her from her slumber. She had never slept quite so heavily in all her life. The bed, sheets, everything was incredibly soft. Usually, she’d have woken up as soon as the serving girl entered her room, but the bed afforded her a deeper sleep than she knew possible.

Th-tha-thank you. She yawned, completely un-lady-like. My apologies.

It's quite alright my Lady. She replied. The Queen also left a note with your breakfast, and I took the liberty of bringing you a pot of tea as well.

With another word of thanks, she made her way from the room, shutting the doors behind her. Elena stretched in the luxury of the bed. She breathed in deeply, a subtle smell of lavender hit her nose. She turned her face back into her pillow and breathed in, curiously. Lavender. The pillows were scented with Lavender. She sniffed at the blankets and sheets, likely looking quite foolish to a noble’s standard, and breathed in more of the lavender scent. She smiled, her mother often would place dried lavender near her bed to help her sleep...but her mother was many, many days away now. It had taken Elena nearly a month to reach the castle, the provided carriage often driving through the night to ensure her speedy arrival. She began to feel homesick; her family was so far away.

Elena made her way out of bed, wrapping a robe from the wardrobe around her nightdress. A slight breeze wafted through her window, the serving girl likely opening it around the time she set the tray of food on the table beneath. Elena finally looked out the massive window, taking a moment to admire the intricate designed grilles of the window that formed the shape of a tree in silver metal, quite possibly high-silver; a naturally magical form of silver that was stronger than steel. 

She lifted the lid of the tray beneath, the smells of baked bread, bacon, and berries assailed her nose. She took in the sight of it all, curious that it was not jam where the berry smell had come from but instead what seemed to be butter mixed with a collection of small berries. Elena thought she recognized at least one of them. She lifted one of the warm buns to her mouth, breathing the intoxicating aroma, and almost moaning at the fluffy, buttery taste inside. She quickly smeared some of the berry mixture on it, sitting down in the plush chair to properly enjoy it. She sighed happily at the taste of the berry butter, thrilled that it was also sweetened with a bit of honey. She looked over at the tray, to the folded parchment with her name.

Elena,

I guessed you would appreciate your breakfast in the confines of your own space. Truthfully, King Tristan and I only dine with Anthony as we have not moved him into his own suite yet. A tradition in House Thorne for the 18th birthday. Our first lesson can wait until this afternoon, after you have sufficiently explored the palace to your heart's content. To be perfectly honest, I will not be even the slightest bit concerned if you spent the entirety of the day exploring or getting comfortable with your new surroundings, and we could begin our lessons tomorrow. You are the best judge of your own capabilities and I do not wish you to push yourself after such a long journey, as well as what must have been a nerve-wracking experience meeting and dining with royalty. If I do not see you before supper, lessons will begin tomorrow in my personal offices in the west tower, a servant will happily take you to it, but it is only a small walk past the library which I deeply encourage you to visit.

Enjoy yourself and explore,

Queen Irena

p.s We will work out a proper schedule for your lessons the next we speak, be that in my office or at supper.

Elena admired the graceful writing of the Queen; it looked like art in Elena’s opinion. Her own writing, while neat, held nowhere near the grace and nobility of the Queen’s, but that was to be expected. 

She read the letter again, the mention of the library filled her with excitement. Sir Alisstar had a small library with topics from history to biology and even works of fiction, but this was the royal library, the Grand Library of Caer Mythran. The knowledge that must lie in the library had to be beyond what any one person could ever hope to read in a lifetime. She made to hurry through her breakfast, but the desire to savour each and every bite won out. She guessed it was near midday as she left her room in a simpler dark green gown than the pale blue one she had worn the night before. She hurried through the corridor, desperate to keep herself from sprinting to the library. She rounded the corner, her focus directly on the open double doors she knew led into her destination. She stepped