The Light of the North
The journey was difficult, with driving snow and bitter winds attacking us as we made our way through Galathea’s mountains and glaciers. After four days the city could be seen on the horizon, and two days later we arrived at the palace. We were ushered into the palace’s main hall, where a roaring fire and hot food and drink were waiting for us. I walked over to the fire and had just started to warm my hands when I felt a presence behind me.
“We meet at last, Elaheir,” he began, “I hope your journey was not too arduous for the time of year?”
A shiver of excitement snaked up my back as I turned to face him, and I could feel my face redden slightly as I thought of that morning when I had first seen the young king.
“Greetings your majesty,” I stammered, my face glowing even more as Narial’s eyes locked onto mine, “the journey across the glaciers was rather tiring, but otherwise not too difficult, thank you.”
Narial closed the gap between us and took my hand, lightly touching his lips to my palm. My heart was beating wildly in my chest, and I was sure he could feel the blood rushing through my veins as he held my hand in his a moment longer than was necessary. His skin was as soft as I had imagined, and slightly cool at first. However it seemed to become warmer as his hand continued to hold mine, the warmth gradually spreading to my fingers and up my arm.
“I have some correspondence to attend to while you dine, but will take you on a tour of the palace once you have settled in,” he said, almost as a whisper.
“I would like that very much,” I replied, my heartbeat almost back to normal as he smiled before bowing and walking towards his study.
