Chapter 160 - Hatherland: Part One

The following two years, Prince Conrad visited the Dunhurst kingdom, staying for the summer with only his faithful servant and two guards. Within that time, Evanna became fluent in Hythen, and she started to teach Conrad Muranthian. The prince had returned the year after they first met, discovering that Evanna spoke the elven language with her mother and figured out that Lady Loraven was indeed an elf. Evanna was initially defensive at first, claiming otherwise until he approached her mother and said, 'Hello, how are you?' in Muranthian.

Lady Loraven replied in Muranthian, surprising the princess further. Her mother confirmed the prince's suspicions and later explained to Evanna to put some trust in him; he had his own secrets. The princess accepted this after learning about one of these secrets the year before. And their understanding of each other's languages made the pair get closer, speaking more freely when others tried to spy on them. Though they kept to Hythen more in public.

Now three years after their first meeting, Evanna was finally visiting the Hatherland kingdom. The princess couldn't stay as long as Conrad had previously because her father said he'd miss her too much. Though King Osian did suggest, Prince Conrad, return with her to Dunhurst. 

Unlike the northern prince, Evanna had a small entourage of knights, her mother and Maggie accompanying her. On arrival, Evanna was struck by the vast buildings surrounding her as she stepped out of the carriage, her hand placed in the footman's outstretched hand. She stared at the grand palaces that the Hart family resided in; it was so vast that it was more like a luxurious town, with six large structures connecting by pathways and gardens with magnificent fountains. The estate sat atop a cliff overlooking the never-ending sea and was protected by two large walls against the rough winds and any enemies. 

Lady Loraven stepped out of the carriage, and the mother and child walked down the golden carpet laid on the ground with the two rows of guards holding up banners of the Hatherland eagle. Evanna forced herself to stop staring at everything in awe and looked ahead where King Horik, Queen Annika and Prince Conrad stood waiting to greet them. The King and Queen wore matching outfits of white and gold, the kingdom's colours, making the Queen look more like a fairy with her white locks and pale skin. On the other hand, Prince Conrad wore black and gold, a stark contrast, and one Evanna noted was possibly an act of rebellion. 

Otherwise, the Hart family would show a united front. Evanna knew from this act alone that something wasn't quite right; in fact, once her awe of the Hart's palaces wore off, she realised there was something strange about the atmosphere. But she couldn't pinpoint what it was.

After looking at the prince again, she blinked in surprise, staring at him as she walked down the aisle. Conrad seemed to have had a growth spurt since last she saw him, but it was to be expected he was fifteen now. His dark golden hair was held back at his nape, but it still looked untamed, with stray hairs falling to his chin. Evanna moved her gaze from him as they stopped before them, and she curtsied in greeting to the King and looking up after feeling his shadow fall over her, and she was brought into a surprising hug, lifting her up from the ground. 

"Princess Evanna!" He laughed loudly. Her eyes flicked to Conrad as King Horik spun her around. He too was surprised; the last time she saw the King was when he visited Dunhurst three years prior, and they were more acquaintances than that of an overly friendly in-law. King Horik placed her back down. "Look at how much you've grown!"

Evanna politely smiled as the King's hands remained on her shoulders as he beamed down at her. His smiles and laughter seemed to cause a stir among the guards; their shock was evident, but they swiftly recomposed themselves. But as the princess stepped back, she felt their questioning looks lingering on her. But she had no answer to what they sought; she was yet to figure out the King of Hatherland. 

Since becoming engaged to Prince Conrad, she did more research about the Hart family and asked her father for more information. From what she gained, the Hart family was extremely powerful, though they lost some of their power when Dunhurst started to expand its kingdom. King Horik was a prideful man and one that recently started to overthrow smaller kingdoms. So, this was surprising to see such a scary, powerful king treating her like she was his child. 

King Horik turned his attention to her mother. "Ah, Lady Loraven, it is a pleasure to see you again. You are as radiant as ever," He complimented her, spreading his jewelled hands out and gesturing towards her face. 

"You flatter me so when you have such an angel by your side," Lady Loraven curtsied and smiled at the Queen. Evanna's mother was excellent at pushing attention away from her, especially after years of ridicule by Queen Eleanor.

"Ah, but of course!" King Horik beamed at his wife. "Nobody can compare to my Annika."

Queen Annika smiled gently. "Horik, I believe we have kept our guests standing outside too long after such an arduous journey. Lady Loraven," The Queen called to Evanna's mother and slowly turned, waiting for Loraven to catch up to her and walk by her side. "I hope to get better acquainted with you. If you are not too weary, would you like to have some tea with me?"

Evanna stood there for a moment, watching her mother and Queen Annika walking away and conversing, while the King walked ahead back towards the stairs leading to the first grand palace. The princess turned to see Conrad already leaning his elbow out for her to take, she slipped her hand into his arm, and they walked slower behind the others, discussing their recent letter exchanges like they'd never been apart for a year.

After being shown to their rooms, Evanna was the first to emerge and start exploring. She walked around the corner, instantly bumping into Conrad, who was already leaning against the arched window, looking at his hands and turning his head in her direction. "You work quickly; I'll give you that. What do you want to see first?" He asked, almost with a sad glint to his golden orbs. 

Evanna clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head to the side. "Hmm, it depends. What do the nobles normally stare at in awe when they first arrive here?" She queried as her gaze followed the extravagant hallway surrounded by paintings and flowers. 

"Everything," Conrad replied proudly and almost too arrogantly. 

Evanna rolled her eyes.. "Then show me everything."