The Princess' Harem
Chapter 141: Back to Elysia Once More

Chapter 141: Back to Elysia Once More

The journey home felt so different from the journey there, because this time Viana knew that Eryndor was with her, and as one of the Elders of the Elf race, she felt safe with him.

They traversed the forest at a leisurely pace, spending their time on the journey sharing stories. Viana felt free and open expressing her thoughts, as if Eryndor was a safe place for her to be herself.

One afternoon, they stopped by a lake that reflected the orange and purple sky. Viana sat on a large rock, gazing at the lake, feeling the peace of the place.

Eryndor sat beside her, so close to her that Viana could feel the warmth of his body even though they weren’t touching. The silence between them made Viana feel comfortable.

"I never imagined I could feel this kind of peace, since before I returned to the past," Viana said softly, looking at the first stars beginning to appear in the sky.

Eryndor turned to her, then with a careful movement, his hand took Viana’s, his fingers cool yet warm, reaching into her heart.

"You have a different resonance from others, nature gave you its blessing first by bringing you back to the past, so you could restore balance because of the blight. And that was the first thing that attracted me and finally made me appear before you," Eryndor said, looking towards the unseen far edge of the lake.

Viana’s face felt warm and her heart beat faster. She turned her face away, but dared not remove her hand from Eryndor’s grip, leaving them sitting in that position for some time.

The next day, they continued their journey. Confidently, Viana asked large branches blocking their path to move aside, or invited birds to accompany them while riding.

Eryndor watched her behavior with a smile, occasionally chuckling at her.

On the last night before they reached the edge of the forest the next day, they spent the night under a large tree. Viana sat near the campfire, and Eryndor sat beside her, so close that she could feel his calm breath.

Without a word, he extended his hand and tidied a strand of Viana’s blonde hair that covered her face. His touch was so soft, and Viana felt the warmth from his hand, which made her hold her breath.

She looked into Eryndor’s eyes, who then looked back at her. She withdrew her gaze, and then rested her head on his shoulder, and he immediately moved to embrace her, and they both remained silent in that position.

***

As they finally began to approach the border of Elysia, the previously dense trees started to thin, replaced by fields and pathways. Viana could hear and feel the creaking of cart wheels, the laughter of farmers, and the barking of dogs in the distance.

Viana felt a little sad, because her adventure in the Elf world and her time with Eryndor would soon end, at least for now.

They both stopped for a moment on a small hill, and from there, she could see the outlines of Elysia’s capital city walls in the distance. Joel and Reyes must have been anxiously waiting for her at the border.

And indeed, as they approached the border post, two sturdy and handsome figures, in Royal Guard uniforms, were already there. Joel and Reyes stood with expressions of worry, but their faces changed when they saw Viana was safe and escorted by Eryndor himself.

"Your Royal Highness!" Joel exclaimed, hurrying towards Viana who was still on her horse. "Thank goodness you’ve returned safely! We’ve been very worried here."

He glanced at Eryndor with a respectful gaze, who was riding beside her. The handsome Elf simply looked back at him and smiled.

"I’m fine," Viana smiled to reassure Joel, then dismounted her horse with nimble and graceful movements. Eryndor did the same, but his movements made no sound at all.

Reyes bowed respectfully to Viana, then looked at Eryndor and nodded respectfully. "Thank you for protecting the Princess, Lord Eryndor," he said with a sincere tone.

Eryndor simply responded by nodding his head, his silver eyes, now mixed with emerald green, looking at Joel and Reyes. A bond formed between them, as they were all Viana’s protectors.

"I will escort you to the palace," Eryndor said softly, in a voice Viana could hear.

She looked at him and whispered, "Thank you, Eryndor."

***

The citizens of Elysia, hearing the news that their crown princess had just returned from her journey to the Elf kingdom, escorted by the Elf leader himself, crowded the roadside, welcoming her return with cheers and waving hands.

Viana smiled broadly on her horse, waving back tearfully, feeling the love from all her people.

Eryndor, Joel, and Reyes rode calmly and gallantly, riding beside and behind Viana, attracting much attention. Elves were rarely seen by humans, and now they could even see their leader. And furthermore, he and the Elves helped them in the war with Arin’s forces.

The citizens looked at him with expressions of great admiration but also curiosity. And what made Viana want to laugh was seeing the girls looking at Joel, Reyes, and Eryndor with great enthusiasm.

When they finally arrived at the palace gates, the giant wooden doors opened wide, and King Clive and Queen Isabella were already waiting. Their faces showed relief upon seeing their only daughter return safely.

"Viana, my dear!" the Queen exclaimed, half-running towards Viana, and hugging her tightly. Her embrace felt warm and pleasant to Viana, but she could now feel her mother’s emotions in her every touch—love, relief, and a little lingering fear.

The King nodded to Viana with a relieved look, then turned his gaze to Eryndor.

"Lord Eryndor," he said, in a formal yet friendly tone. "It is a great honor for us that you deigned to personally escort our daughter back. Thank you for your protection and guidance."

Eryndor bowed gracefully and with dignity. "It is an honor for me, Your Majesty. Princess Viana was an extraordinary guest of ours and she showed her great heart while she was with us."

They all then entered the palace chambers. The Drawing Room felt so different to Viana.

Before, this place felt luxurious but everything was just inanimate objects, but now, she could see every detail more clearly. But not only this room, every place she passed through also gave her the same sensation.