Chapter 281: Irritating Queens

Osian sighed, his hands tightening on Evanna’s shoulders slightly before he released her. Evanna drew her hand back, gesturing towards Arawn.

"Father, this is Prince Arawn..." Wait, what was his last name? How did she not know? It was never mentioned! Panic settled in her for a moment, but she brushed past it, adding what she did know. "Of the Flori."

"Yes, I can see the resemblance to King Thalinal Elion," Osian said, his brows still tugged together as he bowed his head simultaneously with Arawn.

Elion!? Arawn Elion. It never occurred to Evanna that she did not know his last name. There was so much that had happened that it slipped her mind.

"It is an honour to meet an old friend of my father’s," Arawn said; surprisingly, his words sounded genuine. "King Osian."

"Prince Arawn. I never expected the woodland elves to help my daughter return to Dunhurst. Is there something you seek?" Osian asked, already his tone slightly steely, ready to fight or negotiate with the elven prince.

"Father," Evanna interrupted, wrapping her hand around his arm. "Please let your questions be for later. You know the reason I left, and I have returned with what I sought. Where is Mother? I know she would not dare miss seeing a dragon!"

Osian’s eyes flashed with something Evanna could not decipher. Those deep blue eyes shot straight through Evanna’s chest, icing her whole body. His hands dropped to his sides as he parted his lips to say something.

"Look who finally returned the palace," came a sharp voice, one that made Evanna’s eyes narrow slightly and expression harden to the familiarity and disdain dripping in its tone. It only made Evanna’s mood drop further. Osian’s head turned to the side, and his brows scrunched together into a scowl.

"Men were sent to fetch you, and you returned on the back of a dragon and wrecked the palace in the process! Not only that, you do not greet the king or myself with the respect we deserve. Has travelling with the likes of such riff-raff taught you bad manners? I’d hate to think what it was like on the road."

Evanna’s hand curled into a fist. Did this woman have no sense? Evanna had met many on her quest and been to both elven palaces where everyone had a sharp eye and mind. Why did Osian marry this woman?

Queen Eleanor gave Evanna a look as though she was still waiting for a response.

"I grow weary from my travels, as I am sure our respected guests are too. They ensured my safety, and I owe them my life." Evanna whipped her head back to Osian, uncaring for her rudeness to the queen. She did not have the energy to deal with Eleanor or her sister... Well, cousin.

It was surprising that her cousin was not there to also make a scene and embarrass her further in front of Arawn.

"I wish to see my mother." Evanna did not wait for her father’s approval before she turned to Sir Hugh and some of the servants. "I expect my guests to be given the grandest of rooms for Prince Arawn of Flori, his commander Garrett, and knights Sir Ger, Sir Axel and Sir Ronan."

Hushed whispers followed Evanna’s words. Both from the princess ignoring the queen and from commanding those around her with such confidence, they did not stop to question it for a second. Osian stared at his daughter, his heart swelling with pride, though his gaze did narrow slightly at the said knights he never knighted.

Osian had also heard whispers of one of them transforming from the dragon that attacked the palace. His eyes flicked across to said ’damages’ the queen spoke off. But there was nothing he could see. She really was dramatic at times and was more than likely irritated that Evanna had returned.

Since Evanna left on her quest, Eleanor had been too obvious she was satisfied Evanna was gone. She ensured there was more time spent with her and the children, and he was pulled away more frequently from visiting Loraven. It was only last week he put his foot down after discovering the sudden decline in Loraven’s health.

It had been improving for days at a time, then instantly declining and looking worse after.

"You dare ignore me, child?" Eleanor continued, but Osian held his hand up.

"Eleanor, go see to William and George. The dragon must have scared them."

"That is what the nanny is for-"

"Eleanor!" The king snapped. He did not say anything else, and the queen abruptly turned, glaring at Evanna as though it was her fault since she returned.

The dragon part sure was her fault, but Evanna knew William and George would be more excitable than scared about a dragon entering the premises. She would have reacted exactly the same at their age. Actually, the group had all been in awe hours ago when climbing on top of the dragon, who was now her best friend.

"Arawn." Evanna turned to look at the prince, who had been watching the drama unfold through narrowed eyes, glaring at the queen and uncaring that he was doing so. Those nearby looked at Arawn through circled, scared eyes and were not angered by his apparent dislike towards Queen Eleanor.

"Yes, Evanna?" Arawn answered immediately, his eyes returning to Evanna and softening. He could feel the king’s inquisitive stare flicking between Evanna and himself.

"Will you be okay to follow Sir Hugh? He will show you to your room-"

"I’d much prefer to remain by your side." Arawn strolled forward until he was beside Evanna and dropped his voice so only she and Osian could hear him. "I would love to meet your mother, and you might need my help."

Evanna could not fault that. She nodded and didn’t bother asking Garrett if he would follow Sir Hugh because his prince was not going that way, and he would protect Arawn in a kingdom that was not their own. "Axe, Ronan, Ger?" She called their names, and they bowed their heads, accepting the offer.

Ger, in particular, looked fatigued and more than happy to rest. Well, he did carry them all on his back and transform into a beast. She also didn’t know what he did for the two days he was gone.

As Evanna began to move away towards the direction of her mother’s room, Osian’s hand grasped her arm firmly. "I will accompany you there, and afterwards, you will explain how you appear to be on more than friendly terms with the prince of the Flori elves."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read