The first light of dawn spread across the capital of the Dark Elven Kingdom, casting a soft silver glow over the four mountains that embraced the Court.
Within the royal palace, servants moved quietly through the halls. Unlike the excitement that usually accompanied a royal departure, the atmosphere remained surprisingly calm.
Only those who absolutely needed to know had been informed. To everyone else, it appeared to be another diplomatic journey.
Lilith stood before a large window in her chambers, fastening the final clasp of her traveling cloak.
She wore a fitted black traveling uniform embroidered with subtle patterns. It was elegant enough to represent the Dark Elven crown while practical enough for combat and long-distance travel.
Atheline emerged from the adjoining room moments later. He wore dark leather reinforced with lightweight enchanted plates beneath a long coat bearing the royal crest.
His appearance drew a small smile from Lilith.
"You look more like an adventurer than a king."
He chuckled.
"I’ve learned my lesson."
"Oh?"
"The last expedition I went on nearly ruined three ceremonial outfits."
She couldn’t argue with that.
"I suppose practicality wins this time."
A servant knocked gently before entering.
"Your Majesties, everyone has gathered."
Lilith nodded.
"We’re coming."
The palace entrance was already filled with familiar faces. Rows of attendants stood respectfully on either side of the grand staircase.
The councillors had also gathered despite the early hour. At the front stood the Noble elder. Beside him stood Simion, now serving among the younger royal officials after proving himself during the northern campaign.
Both bowed deeply as the royal couple approached.
"Your Majesty."
"Our King."
Lilith acknowledged them with a nod. The Noble elder smiled politely.
"I trust this diplomatic journey will proceed smoothly. We’ve prepared the documents requested by the Demonic Kingdom."
Another councilor laughed lightly.
"Perhaps Their Majesties will finally have a chance to enjoy a proper vacation."
Several councillors nodded in agreement.
"You’ve been working without rest ever since the coronation. It would do the kingdom good to know its rulers can occasionally relax."
Atheline exchanged a glance with Lilith; neither corrected them. In truth... there would probably be very little relaxing.
This was hardly a vacation. Still... Keeping the real purpose hidden was safer. The fewer people who knew, the fewer questions would arise if something unexpected happened.
Lilith simply answered,
"We’ll return when our work is finished."
The councillors accepted the vague response without suspicion. The noble stepped forward carrying a polished wooden case.
"A small collection of official seals and emergency correspondence."
Atheline accepted it.
"Thank you. If any urgent matter arises, we’ll communicate through long-distance transmission crystals."
Lilith nodded.
"The kingdom remains under the council’s administration until our return."
"It shall be done."
Her gaze swept across everyone gathered before her. Many of the attendants smiled warmly. Some looked almost relieved.
Their queen had worked almost nonstop since ascending the throne. If she wished to spend several weeks strengthening diplomatic ties abroad... None of them would object.
After exchanging a few final words, Lilith turned toward the teleportation hall.
Since they were going across a continent. Lilith thought it was best to just use a normal teleportation circle instead of her own power to teleport.
The distance wasn’t small, and none of them were sure what they would open their eyes to; it was better to conserve their strength.
The teleportation circle itself covered nearly the entire floor. Thousands of glowing runes slowly awakened as royal manipulators poured Aether into the formation.
One by one, the symbols lit up. The air trembled gently. Even Atheline could feel the immense amount of Aether flowing beneath his feet.
The chief court manipulator bowed.
"The route has been synchronized with the Demonic Royal Palace and destination confirmed. Long-range continental teleportation ready."
Lilith stepped into the center of the formation with Atheline joining her. The surrounding manipulators raised their hands simultaneously.
Light erupted from every rune. Space itself seemed to twist, and the palace disappeared. For a brief instant, everything became silence.
Then gravity returned and light dispersed. The first thing Atheline noticed was the temperature. It was warmer; not unbearably hot but just different from what he was used to.
The air itself carried a faint scent unlike the forests of the Dark Elven Kingdom. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing within another enormous teleportation chamber.
Dark red stone replaced black obsidian. In front of him were massive pillars carved into the shapes of ancient horned warriors. Purple crystals embedded throughout the walls illuminated the room with a gentle glow.
Several armored guards froze in place. For one heartbeat... No one moved.
One guard blinked.
"...Your Majesty?"
Another looked toward Lilith before immediately dropping to one knee.
"The Queen of the Dark Elves!"
The others reacted instantly. Armor clattered as every guard knelt.
"Welcome to the Demonic Kingdom!"
"Welcome, Your Majesties!"
The captain hurried forward.
"We were informed of your arrival, but we did not expect the teleportation to activate so early."
Lilith inclined her head.
"Our departure was ahead of schedule."
"It is our honor to receive you."
The captain immediately signaled several attendants waiting outside.
"Notify His Majesty that the royal guests have arrived. At once!"
Servants hurried from the chamber. Meanwhile, palace attendants approached respectfully.
"If Your Majesties would follow us... We have prepared the receiving hall."
Atheline quietly observed the surroundings as they walked. The architecture differed greatly from the elegant curves of Dark Elven design.
Everything here appeared grander. Towering arches stretched high overhead. Statues depicted ancient demon kings and legendary generals rather than gods or spirits.
Large windows allowed sunlight to pour across polished black floors. The palace carried an atmosphere of strength more than refinement, yet despite its intimidating appearance... The servants behaved with impeccable etiquette.
Several maids discreetly glanced toward Atheline before quickly lowering their eyes again. It wasn’t every day they saw the famous High Elf king who had married the Dark Elven queen.
Not long afterward, large doors opened. A deep laugh echoed through the receiving chamber.
"So you’ve finally come."