Enchanted Rivalry

4. Paths Crossed

Kael

As I stood before the king, his gaze piercing and expectant, I felt a surge of defiance rising within me. His question hung in the air like a challenge, demanding an explanation for my presence in the royal court of the Summer Court.

I met his gaze head-on, my tone sharp and cutting as I spoke, "Since when do we invite the denizens of the Shadowlands to grace your royal court without our permission?"

My words carried a hint of sarcasm coloring my tone.

With each passing moment, the atmosphere in the royal court grew increasingly charged, the looming threat of conflict hovering on the horizon like a storm cloud on the verge of breaking. But even in the face of uncertainty and danger, I remained steadfast in my determination to defend my kingdom and my family from any who dared to threaten them.

Just as the tension in the royal court reached its peak, a voice cut through the silence like a breath of fresh air. 

I turned to see Aria standing at the far right of the king, her hair cascading in curly tendrils around her shoulders and her skin aglow with a radiant beauty that seemed to defy description. 

Despite my best efforts to remain unaffected, I couldn't help but feel a subtle stirring in my chest as I beheld her, a flicker of fascination that I quickly dismissed with a nonchalant shrug. After all, there were more pressing matters at hand than the captivating presence of a stranger.

"It seems the young boy was injured, Your Majesty," she spoke, her voice like music in the air, as she addressed the king with a calm assurance that belied her outward beauty. "I brought him to the palace to receive treatment."

"Well, isn't that noble of you," I remarked with a casual smirk, my tone dripping with sarcasm as I addressed the woman. "But I can't help but wonder what business you have meddling in the affairs of our Lands. It seems," I continued, "that the Summer Court has learned hospitality towards us, for once."

"But it seems the Shadowlands has forgotten its manners," she retorted, matching my tone with a quiet confidence. "Or perhaps you simply enjoy barging into royal courts uninvited?" 

Her words carried a subtle undercurrent of defiance, a hint of snarkiness that caught me off guard. My lips twitched with amusement at her response, as I regarded her. 

"I do what is necessary to protect my people," I replied, my voice firm but tinged with a hint of challenge.

With a cool facade, I met her gaze head-on. "Anyways I'm sure we can handle our own affairs," I replied, my tone just as snarky as hers. "We don't need your interference."

There was a moment of tense silence as our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, each of us refusing to give an inch. 

With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, she conceded my point. "As do we." She replied.

Despite the exchange of words, I couldn't shake the feeling that this woman was not to be underestimated. There was a fire in her eyes, a determination that spoke of a strength and resilience that belied her delicate appearance.

The king interjected, his voice cutting through the air like a thunderclap. "Enough," he commanded, his tone firm and authoritative. "Bring the boy in."