The night passed quickly, and when the humans rose and got ready, the sun had risen a long way above the barrier. A breakfast was provided in the suites, and Aurora contemplated what she would say to the King and Queen when she would meet them. She had no idea how much information they had or how friendly they would be. None of the other elves had given any indication to the character of the monarchs, and so she remained in the dark. For now, she decided that she would not identify herself as the Empress in case they might view her uninvited entrance as an invasion. Though an invasion of two was a very poor one indeed. Aurora chuckled softly.

Her mind drifted to Devrim. He had wanted to talk last night about their kiss. She hoped desperately that he would not apologize and take it back. They had finally taken a step in the right direction. She wanted to move forward. Perhaps they could talk now and clear the air. Just then a male servant knocked and was admitted.

"Honored guest Devrim is awaiting you in the hall," the servant said.

"Excellent," Aurora answered.

The servant continued, "He is ready for you to join him. The King and Queen have requested your presence."

'Not excellent,' Aurora thought. Instead she stood and smoothed out her dress. The elves had provided a crimson gown of crushed fabric with golden trim. It was extravagant even by her standards, and Aurora wondered if this was because they were to meet the king and queen. It was strange that she did not even know their names. She tucked the Fates' chain under her gown as she prepared to leave.

"Let us go," she told the servant. Outside the room, two soldiers and Devrim awaited the Empress. The party made their way through the palace. They passed a servant in the hall without pointed ears or golden skin. His eyes were dull and his back was hunched. He looked at them pitifully before continuing on his way with a basket of dirty linen. "Was that …a human?" Aurora whispered to Devrim.

The grey-eyed man shrugged. There were so many creatures that he did not know. He could be a human, or he could be something else entierly. Why would there be a human servant in the elves' castle? It was a strange thought, but they had no way to settle the matter. Finally they reached the main hall. Outside the throne room, Alvar stood with an exaggerated smile plastered on his face. His eyes were worried.

"Lord Alvar," they greeted him.

"Sh, they do not know I am here," Alvar said in hushed tones. "I just came to wish you luck. I hope you receive the help you seek for a price you are willing to pay." He scurried off before they could question him.

A herald came out in a dark green uniform. He motioned for the humans to follow him. They entered the throne room through a set of golden double doors at least four times as tall as them. The room itself was similar to Aurora's at home, only with far more banners and tapestries of various exploits. Some of cloth even depicted humans and elves side by side. 'These are very old indeed!' Aurora thought.

At the front of the room on a tall platform, two large austere thrones were erected along with two smaller thrones on either side. The thrones were made of the same pearled stone as the exterior of the palace and the backs of the chairs reached high above the occupants. Three chairs were filled with two male elves and one female elf. Aurora recognized that the elf in the smaller throne was Ithel. The other two were older, yet still had smooth skin and youthful complexions.

The older elves looked down at Aurora and Devrim with indifference as they approached. If they had hoped for a warm reception, they would be disappointed. Soldiers lined the wall with spears in hand. At the end of the line along the wall, Brinn stood with a solemn expression on her face. She was in a version of the soldier's uniform, but it was a brighter green, and she had no helmet. Brinn was staring at the king and queen, refusing to look toward them as they neared. Out of everyone in the room, only Ithel looked pleased to see them. His warm smile calmed Aurora's nerves as they approached the thrones. She fell into a deep curtsy, and Devrim bowed.

"Your Majesties," the herald said. "Your guests have arrived." The humans had been briefed on the protocol of approaching the monarchs. They were to stay lowered until asked to rise. Time stretched on in silence as the humans' legs began to complain from the strain. This was a definite show of power; the monarchs were asserting their dominance over their guests. Aurora had seen Zephyra use similar tactics at home.

Finally the King spoke, "Greetings, favored guests. Please rise. I am King Zoltan." The humans lifted their heads and stood straight. King Zoltan had an unreadable expression. He was unusually tall in his chair even for an elf and sat with a gold crown on his dark head. No sculptor could have cut cleaner lines for his jaw and cheeks. It was clear where Ithel got his looks.

"I am Queen Lanassa. Welcome." The Queen's eyes were hard and green. Her wild red hair, which was only partially tamed by her crown, framed her fierce face. The look reminded Aurora of her mother, and her mouth went dry. As she struggled to speak, Devrim graciously took the lead.

"Thank you, Your Majesties. I am Devrim. I am humbled to be in your presence," he said.

"I am Aurora. Thank you for your hospitality." Aurora added as she recovered.

Queen Lanassa looked displeased. She arched her brow and waited before sighing. "Have you nothing else to add?" She asked the woman.

"I do not understand." Aurora could see that she had offended but was unsure how.

"Excuse us, but elves value protocol," King Zoltan said by way of explanation. "You did not give your full title."

Aurora stood dumbfounded. Queen Lanassa shook her head, "Can you not see, husband? She is intentionally hiding her true self. I will rectify the situation. I bid you welcome, Empress Aurora, Ruler of the World and Sovereign of Valiant."

"Empress?!" Brinn blurted from the side of the room. Devrim stepped in front of Aurora in a protective motion, but the elves had kept his sword. He could only glare. The Empress touched his arm gently and he moved aside.

"I can explain…"