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Talvi was still holding her hand when he heard a name he had not heard for almost a century. He looked up at Elanor; she could see, even through the mask, that his eyes were wide open with shock. She felt that all eyes were on her, and the shame of being rejected was joined by a feeling of panic. Elanor could not bear it any longer being in this foreign, scary place. She was heartbroken and needed a moment to herself. 

Elanor yanked her hand from Talvi and ran away so fast, he did not have time to react; he immediately followed after her after a few seconds of stupor to resolve any misunderstanding, but Queen Violet was suddenly in front of him. After a brief hesitation, he decided to confront this woman whom he had avoided for too long, and then find Elanor to finally leave the Seelie Court.

"Follow me," said the Queen. She walked with him to the nearest balcony, where they were left alone; her servants must have arranged for privacy in advance. 

They stood in silence for some time. Talvi gazed at the night sky, unable to stop thinking about Lara and what she had told him. 

If only my tongue were not tied by the curse, if only she did not run away so fast...

"You know why I was inviting you all these years."

"Of course, your Majesty," smiled Talvi. It was not a question; he did not have to answer it, but there was no need to take the bait and be rude. 

"And has your answer changed? Time is almost up," said the Queen. 

"I am honoured, but the answer is still no," the elf replied simply.

"From my experience, that means you think you have options. What if I tell you that I made sure you don't?" Her voice was cold, and Talvi felt uneasy. 

What is she planning? I need to take Lara away from here immediately.

"Your Majesty, there were never options. I want us to part ways as friends. I'm offering you the most precious thing I can give you, a loyal ally. Shall we leave it at that?"

"You are not in a position to make offers. I will prove to you that it's not a mere threat: at this moment, your human girl is being taken to serve at my castle."

"What do I care about a human girl? She got lost in the woods. I am simply helping her to get back home," said Talvi with a bored voice.

"You two looked pretty cozy in Hazel's cottage. Lovely place, I heard they have a wolf problem. Be careful, mortals are so fragile."

Talvi felt a shiver run down his spine at that. The Queen sensed that she was getting close to the target and continued.

"You thought that if you avoided my lands, I would have no means to get to you?"

"You would dare to threaten me? Did you forget who you are talking to?" replied Talvi finally with an ice-cold voice, low and firm. Rage grew inside him, but he was willing himself to stay composed. He cannot reveal his hand yet, for it was the only chance to save everyone.

"Who am I talking to today? A travelling merchant or a nameless king with no kingdom?" she sneered in a sickly sweet tone. "Guards, seize him. You are charged with the murder of two members of the Seelie Court. Do you deny the accusation?"

Talvi could only smile at how unfortunate the events were unfolding. He shook his head in disappointment and simply replied, "No." The guards took him by the elbows and led him into the dungeons. Queen Violet watched them leave with conceit.

***

Elanor was running through the dance hall, past the band, the swinging couples, and out into the gardens, barely aware that she was bumping into partying fae, who turned their heads after her with irritation and swearing. Her temples were pulsating in agony from the cacophony of the music, the chatter of the crowd, and her own heartbeat.

She ran so swiftly, she looked almost like one of the folk, the dress making it seem like she was leaving a glittering, shiny trail. When she was far enough from any guests, she squatted behind a rose bush and covered her face with her hands, weeping. She did not know how much time she spent trapped in the tight shackles of panic, but when she resurfaced, she was freezing cold, her legs had gone numb, and a deep fear settled over her. 

Talvi can love whom he wants; he is still my friend, and I should not make it weird. If I let Lumi out, he will help me trace the elf. 

She was about to release her dog from the hidden fae pocket when she heard Aeden's voice coming from behind. She turned and saw the fae dressed in a translucent, sky-blue costume that showcased his athletic body; he wore a flower crown, and his hair was no longer peach, but matched the suit. 

"Lady Lara! There you are," exclaimed the Secretary cheerfully. "You're not leaving so soon, are you? The night is young and you have not yet enjoyed all that Seelie Court has to offer."

"Sir Aeden. I was just going back, the hall was a little too hot, and I felt dizzy," tried to dodge him Elanor.

Sir Aeden did not seem to mind her awkward excuse, because he nodded and offered her his hand. Elanor could not think of a reason fast enough to refuse his company, and relented. When she placed her hand in his, he squeezed it tightly and pulled her close. She pulled back, but there was no resisting him, given his strength; he looked her in the eyes through a black half mask and called her name again; this time, it was her name. 

"Elanor."

Cold stream of magic coursed through her every vein as he said that. She froze and could not resist him anymore, only waiting for his command. He smiled like a devil and let go of her hand. Elanor frantically searched through her memory for any instance where she could have revealed her name to someone here, but only one person came to mind.

Jon! How could he sell me out like that?!

"We don't often get to recruit true name servants; you are going to be a treasured asset. Nothing personal, you see. It is just too good an opportunity to pass. Most thralls here are dazed and don't do that great a job. Very few humans come of their own accord and stay long enough, and you can never trust those. So you have to empathize with our dire situation: enthralling you by your true name is going to benefit us both."

He truly believes these things. You see humans as no different from domestic pets, do you?

Aeden continued by giving her the next orders.

"For tonight, you shall come back to the castle with me. You will not run away or leave Seelie Court unless I permit you, and your duties as the maid begin tomorrow. You will not speak unless you are spoken to. Prove yourself to be skillful, and you will secure a better job, joining the Queen's staff."

Unable to resist, Elanor started following him when he turned to walk back, trailing obediently behind him and searching through the guests for the tall figure in white with dark green hair. He was nowhere to be found, and she could only cry for him silently in her mind. 

Talvi! Where are you?!

She finally walked through the castle doors, this time as a thrall, and the walls were rising around her as a prison.