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.