The New Sibling

"I must admit I was quite skeptical about you coming back to The Eternal Utopia, daughter." King Naemar said, "When you left, I thought you were a woman of your words. I suppose that vanished when that mortal husband of yours died, isn't it, Aelanor? Or should I call you Emilia?"

"Still an absolute delight, after all these years, Father. How you are able to maintain that cheerful disposition is beyond me," Aelanor rolled her eyes.

"We do not age, my dear, so we do not change, unlike you," he gloated. "And Nimuel, how charming to see you! I trust you do not have any regrets for following your cousin to mortality, and the abhorrent mortal world?"

"No, my King," Nimuel bowed, "I am quite content in the mortal world, and I do not regret my decision at all. I trust you are great yourself?"

"Yes, thank you," King Naemar scowled at her, unable to string any more insults, then turned to Aelanor. "What do you need from us now, daughter? There is no way you are getting your immortality back, even now that you have come crawling back to us on your knees."

"These are steeds, not knees. I hope your eyesight has not been degrading by the day, since you are apparently unable to distinguish between the two. And I don't need your mercy, your Grace," Aelanor shot back. "I am just here to see my mother. I heard she is unwell."

A shadow passed upon King Naemar's face as he tried to retain his haughty composure, and failed.

"Your mother is quite well, I assure you. And under no circumstances would I allow you, an insubordinate creature, to step into this grand Palace and bring misery unto the premises. You should leave, lest the darkness of the night is too fearsome for you to go back to whatever pig pen you are currently staying," he said.

"Father, you know how much I would love to believe that blatant lie of yours and go back without seeing my ailing mother, but you are forgetting something. Let me please remind you that I am your only daughter, and this Palace is my birthright. There is nothing you can do, but let me pass these doors," Aelanor said.

"Oh, but it is not true, my dear Aelanor. I think it's time for you to meet someone."

And from behind the doors exited a Female elf of utmost beauty. Her porcelain skin reflected the luster from the diamonds from the walls, and her black, glossy hair fell down to her calves in a gorgeous waterfall. Her face had the same haughty indifference as that of the King. As she approached the trio, her eyes shone red and her ruby lips twisted in a sneer.

"This is Moraen, the true, and immortal heir to the House of Zauarn, and your sister, Aelanor."

-----

"Hello, sister," Moraen flashed her sparkling white teeth as she moved towards Aelanor with the smooth flow of a wave. Her voice was breathy, like the gush of wind on a chilly winter night. "It is indeed an honor, to meet you after so long. Father has told me all about your fascinating past."

"Yes, because now, he has time to perform his fatherly duties, spend time with his children, hasn't he?" Aelanor tried, and failed to control her anger.

"Yes, I certainly do, for the children who are not disobedient," the King smiled, "and I'd have done that for you if you were anything like her. Instead, you chose to defy your status and name just to run around like the common townsfolk, mingle with the subjects of the empire, and sneak into the Emerald Forests at every chance you got."

"My King, if I may, it should be our duty to know the plight and lifestyle..." Nimuel started.

"You may not, cousin, er, Nimuel, is it?" Moraen interrupted, "This is a discussion for the royal family. You are a member of the royal Duchy, and we would like you to remember your position, if you will."

"Now, listen here, you little..." Aelanor burst out.

"Princess Aelanor. I would like to remind you that you are in the presence of the King of The Eternal Utopia, and the heir to the throne," King Naemar thundered, "Your behavior would not be exempted just because you once belonged here, since you do not, anymore. Furthermore, I would instruct you to return to your world, lest I summon the guards to show you the way back."

Aelanor stood there, thunderstruck, unable to think straight. At last, she took a deep breath and said,

"Father, I do not wish to overstay my welcome here at this place, but I have come to see my mother. I believe she is in great peril, and I wish to be of some comfort to her."

King Naemar shifted on his feet before replying, "She is in no imminent danger, therefore, there is no need for you to be here. I behest you to leave, and soon."

"Father, if I may," Moraen cooed, "We should let Princess Aelanor meet her mother. I do believe that Queen Gaelemar would feel better after meeting her. She indeed has been losing some of her health, ever since Princess left the Eternal Utopia to be with her husband."

Guilt rose up in Aelanor like a snake to think that she was the reason her mother was ill. She began shaking, her chest rising up and down. Nimuel came near her and put her arms on Aelanor's shoulder.

The King hesitated for another moment, then said, "Alright, you may see your mother, Aelanor. But you are not welcome to stay here, even for the night. Find yourselves another quarters outside Morcoa to spend the night, and you will leave as soon as you can."

Nimuel thanked the King, as she urged Aelanor to move. As they were passing the great glass door, Aelanor stopped and turned back to find her sister standing nearby.

"I want to thank you, Princess Moraen, for stepping up to Father. I am highly obliged," she bowed.

"It is of no great matter to me, Princess Aelanor. I am not unreasonable. I would very much like to see Queen Gaelemar heal, and I believe seeing you would very much reflect upon her health," Moraen said.

"I hope so," Aelanor breathed.