Page 98 of The Nymph King

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Vathis, their last stop, announced itself long before its city gates came into view.

The transition to the elusive Norn city started deep in the Draswood, where ancient trees formed dense ranks that blocked the light and confined the view to the path. Next came the walls, carved from white native stone that grew directly from the land. Watchtowers emerged from the natural ridges.

Its city center thrived with an orchestrated celebration. Torches and lanterns lined the main square, casting a warm, honey-like light over stone and wood. Banners hung from balconies, decorated with lush green and crimson garlands, filling the night air with a rich, earthy aroma. Drums and string instruments played in harmony, creating a lively, coordinated rhythm.

Vathis was baring its teeth behind a smile, presenting itself as strong even in revelry.

The crowd parted for them, waving handkerchiefs and tossing flowers to create a broad, open path. They bowed their heads and Imani kept her posture straight. The Crown of Life dug harder into her skull under the attention and reverence of her people, though.

Ellisar advanced beside her with effortless grace, smiling and waving when appropriate as he constantly scanned the surroundings, but he seldom focused on her.

When the guides brought them to the raised platform in the center of the square, the gathering’s true nature became clear. Regional leaders and Norn commanders stood in precise formation, observing intently.

Ellisar approached first and nodded at the men as they bowed their heads and murmured their welcomes. The Norn watched with unbroken, evaluating stares. When it was Imani’s turn to speak to the gathered crowd and politicians, she raised her hand, and everyone fell silent.

“You stand here because this realm matters,” she said, her voice echoing across the square. “And I will not let it fall to division or fear.” She took a deep breath, then continued. “Under my rule, Essenheim will be strong. Its borders will hold. Its people will be protected. We will not turn on each other when there is more at stake than power. We will build something that lasts.” A few shouts rang up from the audience before she added, “Peace is not weakness. Prosperity is not given. We will secure both—together.”

A beat of silence stretched before the square erupted in a fierce, explosive roar of acceptance. Music swelled, and the celebration truly began.

Ellisar placed a hand on her back and shepherded Imani around to the various community leaders and dignitaries. She listened more than she spoke, letting the nobility reveal their hands, while Ellisar subtly directed the flow of conversation.

The third noble, in as many minutes, began explaining his family’s historic contribution to Vathis grain storage.

She feigned a smile through gritted teeth and leaned closer to Ellisar. “If he mentions his grandfather again, I’m throwing myself into the fountain,” she muttered.

Ellisar continued nodding politely at the speaker. “Too public.”

“Poison, then.”

“Paperwork.”

She crossed her arms and shook her head. “You really do know how to ruin everything.”

His expression remained perfectly formal, but she caught the tiny pull at the corner of his mouth.

As the night stretched on, and Imani continued navigating the political currents with Ellisar at her side, she found herself feeling grateful for his presence.

The gap between them had subtly diminished, narrowing with each passing moment. Their familiarity had become something constant, comforting, and impossible to ignore, and the change caught her off guard. What had started as mutual respect had taken root in her chest, blossoming into an emotion she could no longer keep at arm’s length.

Yet as soon as the thought formed, her mind summoned his ghost.

The difference between the two elves was striking.

What she had shared with Kiran had always been instinctual and effortless, a violent force that stripped her bare. He’d always named her dreams, her most depraved shames, and reveled in all of them.

In contrast, being here with Ellisar was a stark reminder that she had never had a choice before. Her bond with Ellisar had grown over weeks on the road, and she chose to embrace it rather than be swept away. This distinction made the connection, and Ellisar, feel intensely real and undeniable.

She stood among the Norn nobility, feeling her heart split in two. Her chest swelled with a slow, trembling breath.

“Essenheim will need an Heir Apparent,” a Norn lord remarked, his voice as casual as if he were discussing grain shipments.

Another inclined his head. “It would secure the line.”

“And stabilize the monarchy when we desperately need it,” a female added.

“The realm would answer to certainty,” a fourth chimed in, her eagerness unmistakable.